Long-serving Hoylake RNLI volunteers recognised by charity’s Chief Executive

Peter and Karen met RNLI volunteers from across the station’s operational, fundraising and management teams and sat down with them to hear their insights into the lifesaving charity. Peter also shared his vision on leading the RNLI beyond its 200th anniversary year.

It was a special occasion for a number of Hoylake’s long-serving current and former crew, as Peter presented them with awards recognising their commitment to saving lives at sea.

Coxswain Howie Owen received the RNLI’s Long Service Medal with a 30-year bar, having begun his volunteering at RNLI West Kirby Lifeboat in the early 1990s. He served for over 20 years on the inshore D class lifeboat, before later joining the all-weather lifeboat crew at Hoylake. Howie became Coxswain in June 2021.

Andy Dodd was presented with the RNLI’s 30-year Long Service Badge, having joined the Hoylake Lifeboat crew in 1994. Currently a Deputy 2nd Coxswain, he served in many volunteer roles before becoming full-time 2nd Coxswain/ Mechanic in 2009 and Hoylake RNLI’s first full-time Coxswain/ Mechanic from 2016 to 2021 - the fourth member of his family to serve as Coxswain. He is now a full-time RNLI Fleet Staff Coxswain.

Emily Jones received the RNLI’s Long Service Badge in recognition of 20 years’ service with Hoylake RNLI after joining in 2004. She has served in several roles including as a Navigator and for a period as Hoylake RNLI's first-ever female Deputy 2nd Coxswain. She is also a Water Safety Advisor and has been instrumental in promoting safety skills and advice in the local community.

James Whiteley was presented with the RNLI’s Long Service Medal, recognising 20 years of volunteering after joining the Hoylake Lifeboat crew in 2004. James has served in numerous roles and is currently a Mechanic, Navigator, Hovercraft Commander and a Lifeboat Assessor Trainer. He is currently training to become a Coxswain.

Former volunteer Mary Costello-Smith received the RNLI’s Certificate of Service after stepping down as a crew member following 23 years of service from 2000 to 2023. She was Hoylake RNLI's first-ever female operational volunteer and during her service on the crew, Hoylake RNLI saved 29 lives.

Hoylake RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager, Dave Whiteley, said: ‘Congratulations to Howie, Andy, Emily, James and Mary on well-deserved recognition for their remarkable service, which totals over 123 years. We couldn’t save lives at sea without the dedication of our volunteer crew and it was an excellent opportunity for Peter Sparkes to give his personal thanks to them as our new Chief Executive. As one crew, we look forward to working with him in the RNLI’s mission to save every one.’

RNLI media contacts

For more information please contact:

Dan Whiteley, Lifeboat Press Officer on 07799 851 316 or email [email protected]

Claire Devine, Deputy Lifeboat Press Officer 07734 817 068 or email [email protected]

RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789

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.