
Mudeford RNLI volunteer reflects on 50 years of service
As the RNLI celebrates its 200th anniversary of saving lives at sea, Mudeford RNLI’s longest serving volunteer, Kevin Dingley, celebrates another milestone, 50 years of service.
Kevin joined the Mudeford Lifeboat Station in 1974 at the age of sixteen. Kevin recalls, ‘As a local youngster I used to help out around the lifeboat station. In those days the crew was mostly made up of local fishermen who worked in the area.
‘One day Ken Derham, the honorary secretary, said to me, the crew have asked if you would consider joining. I thought why not give it a go and in October 1974 I became part of the first crew intake that were not fishermen.’
Today, Mudeford RNLI operates from a modern and well-equipped station but in the early days the lifeboat was kept in a hexagonal wooden hut. Shouts were raised by a phone call to the station and then someone would set off two maroons and all the crew would come running. Kevin explains, 'The gear was some oilskins hanging up in the wooden hut and some wellington boots. The boat had only one engine, a spare prop, a radio, a first aid kit and a compass and you knelt in the boat!’
Kevin recalls, ‘I lived only a quarter of a mile from the station. When I got the call to go out, Mum would race outside and stop the traffic so I could get the car out and get to the station as quickly possible.’
‘On my first time on the boat, rather presumptuously, I thought I would be in charge of the engine, but I was instructed by Ken to row the lifeboat out in the harbour and back.
‘I looked at him confused and he said to me, ‘‘If you can’t handle the boat with oars, I’m not letting you handle it with the engine.”
Technology and training have also moved on considerably during Kevin’s time with the RNLI.
‘In those days we only trained from October to April, but technology has changed so much over the years. The kit and equipment we have today is amazing, but it requires a lot of training. I take my hats off to the crew today who train regularly through the whole year.’
Kevin continues ‘The shouts were different as well; mainly boats and swimmers. We didn’t have the paddleboarders, kayakers, kitesurfers, & wing-foilers we see today. So, the crew now have to respond to a whole range of incidents, and they require a wide range of skills and knowledge.’
In 2002 Kevin stepped down from the crew but stayed closely involved with the station and with the RNLI. In 2004, he became Treasurer for the station and the fundraising crew who raise donations for the station.
More recently, Kevin, took on a new role in the RNLI, giving tours of the Poole RNLI College and factory. Kevin explains, ‘Two years ago my Mum passed away and I donated part of her estate to the Launch a Memory initiative, where the names of loved ones can be inscribed on a new lifeboat. While visiting Poole, I was asked if I would consider becoming a tour guide and I was delighted to accept.’
‘It’s a role I love and my experience at the station helps me to bring to life what the RNLI stands for and how it works.’
To anyone thinking of joining the RNLI, Kevin has the following words of advice, ‘I would say do it. It is a big commitment, but it is really rewarding and you become part of a very special group of volunteers who are dedicated to saving lives at sea. It is no exaggeration to say you and your family become part of an even bigger family.’
Kevin concluded, ‘Looking back, I feel very proud to have been a part of such an amazing charity for so long, but I am also excited for the future. The RNLI provides a vital lifesaving service, and I very much hope to contribute to the RNLI for a long time to come.’
Mudeford RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Operations Manager, Steve Doe, said, ‘On behalf of the Mudeford RNLI crew, a massive thank you to Kevin for his support and commitment to the RNLI over the past 50 years. He has truly helped to save many lives at sea. Happy 50th anniversary Kevin!’
The Mudeford Servant Atlantic 85 lifeboat has launched 72 times this year so far and launched 85 times in 2023.
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.
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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.