
Cromer RNLI welcomes return of Lifeboat Operations Manager
The charity dedicated to saving lives at sea has appointed John Redmond as volunteer Lifeboat Operations Manager (LOM) at Cromer RNLI Lifeboat Station.
John was LOM the first time around between 12 March 2020 and 12 March 2023, having been part of Cromer Lifeboat Crew since 2015.
The LOM appointment is for a three-year period and John stepped down from the role in 2023 to act as a volunteer at Wells Sea Cadets as a volunteer instructor.
John stayed close to the station and was appointed the medical trainer, however he decided to return to the role of LOM in October this year.
During his previous eight years, John has undertaken the following roles within the station; Shore Crew, Visits Officer, Local Trainer Assessor (LTA), Casualty Care, Tractor Driver, Winch Operator, Launch Authority. He will continue as Launch Authority alongside leading the station as LOM.
With a medical, educational and naval background John brings great depth, experience, leadership, direction, and humour to the role.
Throughout his years at the station, he has been involved in multiple launches, fundraising events, and has been, and will return, to being an integral part of the station as new volunteers join to undertake lifesaving work.
John said: 'I thoroughly enjoyed my time as Lifeboat Operations Manager at Cromer RNLI and I'm proud of the team.
'Now seems the perfect time to take on the role (again) and, in the last 18 months, I have enjoyed becoming an active member of the Sheringham Shantymen and as well as being involved with the sea cadets, the Royal Naval Association and the Royal British Legion, and enjoyed travelling abroad and in our motorhome.
Coxswain/mechanic Paul Watling said: ‘I am delighted to see John return to the role of LOM. His energy and vision and no nonsense manner is just what we need.
'John is an excellent manager of people and is very approachable and he has the full respect of all the volunteers at Cromer RNLI - who I know are as happy as I am to see him back as our LOM.
'As he starts his 10th year as a volunteer in 2025, I am excited to be part of his plans - and of course I welcome the return of his humour, and storytelling!’
RNLI Media contacts
For more information please contact Clare Stagg, RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer: [email protected]
Key facts about Cromer RNLI
The Cromer Lifeboat Station was established in 1804 and was not taken over by the Institution from the Norfolk Shipwreck Association until 1857. Since 1923 there have been two lifeboats at Cromer, and currently there is a D Class inshore boat and Tamar all-weather lifeboat.
The outstanding figure in the history of Cromer is Henry George Blogg who became a member of the Cromer crew in 1894 at the age of 18. He was coxswain from 1909-1947.
During his 53 years as a lifeboat crew member, the Cromer lifeboats had been on service 387 times and rescued 873 lives. His record is without equal in the history of the Institution. No lifeboat crew member has received so many decorations for gallantry.
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.