
New helm for Pwllheli RNLI D class inshore lifeboat
Pwllheli RNLI’s newest D class helm, Anton Hook has passed out after volunteering with the RNLI charity for three years.
Anton is Pwllheli’s second helm on the D class inshore lifeboat, a role involving a great deal of responsibility. The helm is a volunteer in charge of the inshore lifeboat when launching, at sea and when the boat is being recovered and made ready for the next rescue. The helm is also responsible for the safety of the crew onboard and for everything that happens during a rescue.
97% of the RNLI’s frontline lifesavers are volunteers, including over 5,700 volunteer lifeboat crew members at stations around the UK and Ireland, 12% of whom are women, and another 4,000 volunteer shore crew members.
Anton, who is also a volunteer crew member of the Pwllheli Shannon class all-weather lifeboat, said: 'I’m very proud of my achievement, I’ve come a long way since joining the volunteer crew in 2021. Not in my wildest dreams did I predict in three years I would become a D class helm! I would like to thank my family and colleagues at the station for their support. I look forward to supporting our new crew members progress and making a difference in the local community.'
Often described as the workhorse of the RNLI, the D class inshore lifeboat was first introduced into the RNLI fleet in 1963, the design of the inflatable D class lifeboat continues to evolve to meet changes in demand and technology. She is highly manoeuvrable and usually operates closer to shore than our all-weather lifeboats. She comes into her own for searches and rescues in the surf, shallow water and confined locations - often close to cliffs, among rocks and even inside caves.
Notes to editors
Pwllheli lifeboat station has been operating since 1891. To learn more about the lifeboat station go to:
https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeboat-stations/pwllheli-lifeboat-station
RNLI media contacts
For more information, please contact Caroline Jones, RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on [email protected] or 07753 397977.
Alternatively, you can contact Claire Fitzpatrick-Smith, Regional Communications Manager on [email protected] or 07977 728315, or contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.
Photo
Photo can be downloaded here: https://source.rnli.org.uk/l/71ea073523e95f85/
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.