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A New Coxswain for the Alderney RNLI

Lifeboats News Release

Alderney RNLI are delighted to announce the passing out of their newest coxswain Saul Woodruff.

Newly fledged Coxswain - Saul Woodruff with Inner Wheel II in the background

RNLI/Jo Parmentier

Newly fledged Coxswain - Saul Woodruff

Alderney RNLI are delighted to announce the passing out of their newest coxswain Saul Woodruff. Saul has been working towards the qualification with the RNLI by completing all the courses on the coxswain’s program such as the Navigation and Engineering courses and on Tuesday, 12th November completed his final coxswain assessments.

The final assessments consisted of extensive examinations ashore and afloat with a 1.5 hour written exam and 3 hours at sea undertaking various scenarios and rescue situations whilst under the observation of an RNLI Assessor

Saul (30) is the youngest coxswain on the crew and has served with the charity for 12 years, having joined the RNLI when he was just 18 years old.

Saul said “I am very pleased and relieved to have passed the qualification and now be a newly fledged coxswain. Since a young boy I have always had a love for the sea, this stems from endless Summers spent with my uncle on his small fishing boat, this formed a fundamental part of my up bringing and joining the RNLI just seemed like a natural thing to do. To be able to save lives at sea is an honour and privilege and I would like to thank the RNLI for giving me the opportunity and the Alderney crew for their support during this process.”

He continued “I am aware that with this role comes responsibility and I am looking forward to my first shout as coxswain, to the challenges ahead and to developing within my new role.”

Coxswain Declan Gaudion said “Over the past year Saul has juggled working towards the final qualification, building his family home, running a new business and bringing up his two young children with his wife. His commitment to the RNLI is admirable.”

Newly fledged Coxswain - Saul Woodruff with Inner Wheel II in the background

RNLI/Jo Parmentier

Newly fledged Coxswain - Saul Woodruff

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.