
Local GP passes out as Lifeboat Tractor Driver for Mudeford RNLI
On Tuesday 3 December, Mudeford RNLI volunteer Dr. Lexi Obee-Kendall successfully passed out as a lifeboat tractor driver.
Local GP, Lexi, joined the Mudeford RNLI volunteer crew at the start of 2019, a decision inspired by her passion for the sea and a desire to contribute to the safety of her local coastal community. At the time, Lexi had recently moved to the area as a single parent, with her two young daughters. Not knowing anyone locally, Lexi was eager to get involved and quickly found her place at the RNLI.
Initially joining as a Lifeboat Medical Advisor, Lexi's love for the sea and the RNLI grew rapidly. 'I've always been an avid sea swimmer, and the opportunity to join the RNLI was something I couldn’t pass up,' Lexi explains, 'A couple of weeks after joining, I attended a training session, and I saw the tractor driver launching the lifeboat and crew. I immediately knew I wanted to do that too!’
Balancing life as a mum, a doctor, and now a trained lifeboat tractor driver, Lexi enjoys the challenge of doing something completely different from her day-to-day roles. Lexi continues, ‘The RNLI has given my kids and me an incredible group of friends, When we moved here, we didn’t know anyone, and now, thanks to the RNLI, we’re surrounded by a wonderful community of people who feel like family.
‘As a coastal GP, I feel a deep sense of responsibility for the well-being of that community and volunteering with Mudeford RNLI, is my way of giving something back.’
Lexi concludes, ‘I want to thank my fellow crew members for all their support and encouragement during my time at the station. I couldn’t have done it without them, and I feel very proud to be a part of such a great team.’
Looking to the future, Lexi reflects, “Recently, we have seen more women volunteering for all types of roles at the station from Shore Crew to Helm. As the first female tractor driver at the station, I hope more women feel confident to join and make a real difference saving lives at sea.’
Mudeford RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager, Steve Doe, said ‘On behalf of the entire crew many congratulations to Lexi on passing out. The role of tractor driver is essential and carries a huge responsibility as the drivers launch and recover the lifeboat and crew. It is no easy task, often done under huge pressure and in challenging sea and weather conditions. We wish Lexi continued success in her new role.’
The Mudeford RNLI lifeboat has launched 80 times this year so far and launched 85 times in 2023. On 4 December, after 16 years’ service, the station’s Atlantic 85 lifeboat, Mudeford Servant, was retired and a new Atlantic 85, Henrietta H came on service.
Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,000 lives.
Learn more about the RNLI
For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.
Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries
Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.