
Successful volunteer pass outs for Newhaven RNLI lifeboat crew members
Newhaven RNLI volunteers Claire Townsend and Rich White have both successfully passed out as Tier 2 crew on our all-weather lifeboat. Chris Glasspool also revalidated as a Lifeboat Trainer and Assessor at Newhaven.
Claire and Rich completed their tier 2 assessments in early November at Newhaven RNLI. Both were assessed under the RNLI’s Operational Competency Framework, which is designed to provide volunteers with clear and structured training framework. The volunteers’ assessments were undertaken by an RNLI Coastal Lifeboat Trainer.
Training was done primarily at Newhaven RNLI, with the support of our experienced crew. The volunteers had to undergo a theoretical and practical assessment which included topics on RNLI policy, helming, and watchkeeping.
Claire Townsend, volunteer lifeboat crew, said: ‘All of the RNLI’s training was engaging, enjoyable and encompassed teamwork. I received incredible support from my fellow crew at Newhaven, who passed down essential knowledge.’
Rich White, volunteer lifeboat crew, said: ‘Being in the RNLI and volunteering alongside fantastic people, is something I take great pride and pleasure in. The skills I have learnt will stay with me forever. Learning new skills in seamanship, having no experience beforehand was tricky, but immensely rewarding. And being supported by the rest of the crew, who gave me the time and support to help me achieve tier 2’.
Volunteer Chris Glasspool also revalidated as a Lifeboat Trainer and Assessor (LTA). As well as being an LTA, Chris is also a D Class helm and crew on Newhaven’s all-weather lifeboat. Halfway through Chris’ assessment, Newhaven RNLI’s Severn class all-weather lifeboat was tasked on a shout off Brighton Marina.
97% of the RNLI’s frontline lifesavers are volunteers, including 5,700 volunteer lifeboat crew members at stations around the UK and Ireland. Without our incredible volunteer lifesavers, the RNLI could not provide a 24/7 lifesaving service
Notes to editors
· Newhaven RNLI was established in 1803, and covers from Beachy Head to Brighton. It’s a modern afloat station and operates an all-weather Severn class lifeboat.
· ALB – All-Weather-Lifeboat
· Severn Class – Named after the River Severn, the Severn Class is the largest lifeboat in the RNLI fleet. The Severn can take on the worst sea conditions and comes into her own on long offshore search and rescues.
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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 over 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and, in a normal year, 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 142,700 lives.
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.