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Darren joins father in becoming Union Hall RNLI's newest helm

Lifeboats News Release

Union Hall RNLI now has its first father and son helms in Chris and Darren Collins.

RNLI/Pamela Deasy

Darren being congratulated by Lenny Fourie RNLI Assessor
Darren has been a volunteer crew member at the station and last night (Thursday 12 September) passed out as a helm.

The role of helm is responsible for the inshore lifeboat during launching, at sea and through recovery, as well as the safety of the crew on board. As part of this, Darren has undertaken intensive training and assessments both at the station and at the Lifeboat College in Poole, Dorset, England.

Following the success of passing his final assessment, Darren can now be responsible for taking command of the lifeboat and ensuring volunteers remain safe while afloat. Darren says: ‘Thanks to the RNLI for the invaluable training and support in my role as helm. I'm grateful for the skills and confidence you've helped me build to save lives at sea.’

During his training and assessment, Darren has been supported by the rest of the volunteer crew and now fellow helms based in Union Hall. As well as having his dad Chris as a fellow helm, he is also joined by his sister Niamh who is shore crew.

John Kelleher, Lifeboat Operations Manager at Union Hall RNLI, says: ‘All of us at Union Hall RNLI are delighted to congratulate helm Darren on this remarkable achievement. Your dedication, skill, and commitment to saving lives at sea is inspiring. The community deeply appreciates your unwavering service and bravery. Thank you for your tireless efforts and for being a beacon of hope on our waters.’


Ends

RNLI/Pamela Deasy

Darren with his dad Chris and Uncle Pat Collins (Baltimore RNLI)

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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