Teignmouth RNLI pleased to welcome two new trainee Launch Authority volunteers

Laura Kriefman and Stuart Eames have recently joined the volunteer crew at Teignmouth RNLI as a trainee Launch Authority (LA).

The LA contributes to the operational activities carried out to maintain the lifeboats and all associated equipment in a constant state of readiness for launching on service. The role is the first critical link in saving lives at sea as they are responsible for the launch decision, ensuring the lifeboat crews are tasked appropriately.

When a 999 call is made to the Coastguard the situation is assessed and if required, the nearest lifeboat station’s LA will be contacted. If a launch is then agreed the Coastguard will issue a pager call to the crew.

The volunteer position is essential to ensuring that the RNLI sends the right lifesaving assets appropriate to the situation and that this is done safely and timely.

Laura, a keen sailor, joined Teignmouth RNLI in October this year, beginning her immediate training for the shore-based volunteer role of Launch Authority. Laura explained how she has often thought about ‘how important the RNLI’s work is to so many members of the public- whether holiday visitors or experienced locals’ after moving to Dawlish, Laura is just a 7 minute walk away from the beach and is ‘looking forward to being a member of the volunteer crew, and joining the skilled team at the station, helping to save lives at sea’.

Joining alongside Laura as trainee LA is Stuart Eames, who has been part of the volunteer crew at Teignmouth RNLI since 2013. Stuart joined initially as volunteer Shore Crew and continued his training becoming a Head Launcher and passing out as a Tractor Driver. Over his eleven-year volunteer service Stuart has had many memorable moments, including his times as a ‘live casualty in one of the many demonstrations’. Working as a train driver in his day job, Stuart is looking forward to ‘continuing his volunteer training, using the training he’s already gained over the years and learning even more’.

Everyone at Teignmouth RNLI wishes them both success with their training, and extends a warm welcome to Laura joining as a new recruit.

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.