Lifeboat crew called to action during special presentation evening

Following the official presentation of the framed scrolls at around 8pm, as Burry Port Lifeboat Operations Manager, Roger Bowen, was closing the formal proceedings of the evening, a room full of pagers sounded requesting the immediate launch of the station’s D class lifeboat.

All of the crew on call that evening immediately got up from their seats and headed for the lifeboat station to launch. They were heading to reports of two persons cut off on a sandbank with an incoming spring tide in the area of Llanelli Beach.

Later on at 9.40pm, the volunteer crew arrived back at the reception reporting that thankfully both persons had been located and were now safe and well ashore.

Lifeboat Operations Manager, Roger Bowen said:

‘Our volunteer crew being called out during this evening proves how they will literally drop anything at a moment’s notice to go and save lives at sea. Although the lifeboat was stood down as the two persons were safely located, Burry Port Lifeboat Station and our volunteers remain on call 24/7, ready to respond to emergencies at sea along our coastline.

‘It was a wonderful evening for all at the reception and we were delighted to hear about the positive outcome when the crew arrived back.’

The event was being held at the Ashburnham Hotel, recognised the commitment and dedication of RNLI volunteers who serve the community, saving lives at sea and raising vital funds to keep the charity’s lifeboats afloat.

Speaking earlier during the reception, Burry Port Mayor Cllr Michael Thomas, expressed gratitude on behalf of the entire community saying:

‘The RNLI has a long and proud history in the town and this honour is not just for those of volunteers here this evening, but for every volunteer – past and present – who has dedicated themselves to saving lives at sea.

‘Whether answering the pager at any given hour, maintaining our lifeboats and equipment, teaching vital water safety skills during visits within and beyond the station, each person plays a crucial role in the RNLI’s mission.’

He also recognised the vital contribution of the RNLI Fundraising Team and shop volunteers who tirelessly ensure that the RNLI have the resources to continue their lifesaving work, saying:

‘The Freedom of the Town is the highest civic honour that can be awarded by the council to an individual or group and the council wanted to recognise this with a gesture that reflects our appreciation and admiration for the people who give up their time and lives in this way.’

Responding on behalf of the station was Lt. Col. David Mathias, Station Vice President and Vice Lord Lieutenant of Dyfed – who gave a background for being given such an award and symbolised the historic strong connection between the RNLI, Town Council and the local community. Lt. Col. Mathias said:

‘As Burry Port is a coastal town and the only RNLI lifeboat station in the county of Carmarthenshire, we as a community benefit from that dedication more than most, with RNLI volunteers helping to keep people safe at our resorts, beaches and the waters further offshore.

‘These courageous individuals carry out this work not for personal gain, but for the benefit and protection of members of our community. I have only ever been privileged to be involved in four other Freedom of the Town ceremonies during my many years of service.

‘This award is a testament as it is only given to selfless individuals or groups who have demonstrated exceptional service to our communities and is richly deserved. It serves to illustrate the power of volunteering, which in this case quite literally saves lives.’

Trevor Griffiths, Chair of Burry Port RNLI, highlighted the importance of community support and the RNLI’s one crew ethos, which unites all volunteers, supporters and operational crew in their shared mission. Trevor said:

‘Being granted the Freedom of the town is very much appreciated as it highlights the deep connection between the Council, the lifeboat station and the communities we serve.

‘The support we receive from the Pembrey and Burry Port Town Council and its residents has been unwavering, as well as from local businesses backing fundraising efforts, and to the words of encouragement and comments we receive whenever the lifeboat heads out. We also appreciate and recognise the donations we receive to support our fundraising efforts in our wider communities.’

When visiting the coast, always remember:

• Check the tide times. If you don’t understand them, please check local advice
  
  
• Choose a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags
  
  
• If you get into trouble in the water, Float to Live; tilt your head back with ears submerged and try to relax and control your breathing. Use your hands to help you stay afloat and then call for help or swim to safety if you can. It's OK if your legs sink, we all float differently.
  
  
• In a coastal emergency, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

• All photo credits: Byron Williams

For more information please contact Claire Fitzpatrick-Smith, RNLI Regional Communications Manager, on [email protected] or 07977 728 315 or alternatively you can contact the RNLI Press Office on [email protected] or 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.