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Volunteer “passes out” as helm at Aberdeen RNLI

Lifeboats News Release

Volunteer crew, operations team and fundraisers at Aberdeen RNLI are proud to announce that James Buckley has passed out as the station’s newest helm. James has been a dedicated volunteer with the RNLI for six years.

RNLI/Aberdeen

James’s connection to the sea and lifeboats began in his childhood, spending summers in Whitehills and Banff with family. “I used to visit Whitehills for six weeks every summer, and seeing the boats at the local shows always sparked my interest,” James shared. “When the opportunity to volunteer came along, it felt like the right challenge to take on.”

Over the years, James has served as part of the crew on both the all-weather lifeboat and the inshore lifeboat, and has found great satisfaction in developing his skills and helping others. Now, as helm, he’s excited to take on more responsibility while mentoring newer members of the crew. “It felt like a natural progression after spending several years with a fantastic crew here in Aberdeen,” he added.

Outside of the lifeboat station, James works as a Technical Consultant in cyber and information security. Balancing professional, family and volunteer commitments is no small task, but his wife and children are incredibly supportive. “They understand that I’m giving up family time to help others when they need it most, and I think they’re proud of me for it,” James said.

Despite stepping into a leadership role, James is quick to share the credit. “This is a team effort,” he emphasised. “Everyone at the station has helped me achieve this new role. It’s not just down to one person - it’s the result of the whole team working together. I’m grateful to everyone who’s been part of my journey to becoming helm.”

A helm refers to the individual who commands a RNLI inshore lifeboat, like Aberdeen’s – Buoy Woody 85N. The helm is responsible for the safety of the crew and the successful navigation of the vessel during rescues.

Aberdeen RNLI has a long history of service in the city, with volunteers providing a 24-hour search and rescue service, 365 days a year. The charity operates independently of the Coastguard and government, relying on voluntary donations and legacies to sustain its operations.

ENDS

Notes to editors

· Aberdeen lifeboat station has been operating since 1802. To learn more about the lifeboat station visit https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeboat-stations/aberdeen-lifeboat-station

· Aberdeen lifeboat station operates a Severn class all-weather lifeboat, Bon Accord, and D class inshore lifeboat, Buoy Woody 85N.

RNLI media contacts (in order of contact)

Jamee Kirkpatrick, (Volunteer) Lifeboat Press Officer - Aberdeen, 07521304409, [email protected]

Natasha Bennett, RNLI Regional Media Officer for Scotland, 07826 900639, [email protected]

Martin Macnamara, RNLI Regional Media Manager for Scotland, 07920 365929, [email protected]

RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789

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.

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