Aberystwyth RNLI celebrates crew achievements

These accomplishments mark an important strengthening of the team’s operational capability and demonstrate the volunteers’ ongoing commitment to improving the service they provide to the community and coastline of Aberystwyth.

This year has seen exceptional progress across both our seagoing and shore-based crew. On the lifeboat crew, Tom Cartwright has successfully completed his Tier 1 Crew qualification, joining the active operational crew with the skills and readiness required to respond at any time of day or night. Sam Clemens has advanced from Tier 1 to Tier 2 Crew, a step that brings wider responsibilities on the water and recognises his growing skill set during call outs.

A particularly notable set of achievements comes from Will Goodall, who has gone above and beyond by progressing through two significant qualifications over the Summer. After attaining Tier 1 earlier in the year, he continued his development to complete both his Tier 2 and Navigator qualifications, demonstrating exceptional commitment and strengthening the station’s ability to respond safely and effectively.

Alongside Will, Iwan Roberts and Tom Darlington have each advanced from Tier 2 Crew to Navigator, providing the lifeboat with additional trained navigators capable of supporting the helm and ensuring the boat reaches casualties quickly, accurately, and safely. The newly qualified navigators represent the future of the station as a new generation of highly trained crew, whose skills will help steer Aberystwyth RNLI safely and confidently into the years ahead.

The dedication extends onto the shore. Huw Goodchild and Billy Swanson have both qualified as Shore Crew, taking on essential responsibilities that underpin every lifeboat launch and recovery. Additionally, both Huw Goodchild and Paul McCann have passed out as Launch Authorities, taking on the critical role of assessing incidents and authorising the launch of the lifeboat when lives are at risk. Their training, judgement, and experience ensure that the station can respond swiftly and confidently whenever the pager sounds.

Together, these achievements represent a significant enhancement of Aberystwyth RNLI’s overall readiness. More trained navigators, newly advanced crew members, additional shore support, and expanded Launch Authority capacity all contribute to a more resilient, capable, and confident lifesaving service. Behind every qualification lies hours of revision, assessments, practice exercises, and training in challenging conditions, undertaken by volunteers who balance their RNLI commitments with families, careers, and everyday life. Their willingness to consistently push themselves for the benefit of others is at the core of what the RNLI stands for.

Lifeboat Operations Manager Geraint Wheeler said:

‘The progress made by our volunteers this year has been remarkable. Every qualification represents dedication, determination, and a genuine desire to support our lifesaving mission. To see so many crew members reach key milestones speaks to the strength of our team and their commitment to the people who rely on us. Aberystwyth RNLI is built on volunteers who continually develop their skills, and these achievements are a testament to the effort they put in every week.’

Aberystwyth RNLI also extends warm thanks to the local community, whose ongoing support enables training, equipment procurement and operational delivery. These achievements belong not only to the volunteers, but also to everyone who supports the station through donations, encouragement and engagement.

As the crew continue to grow their skills, the station stands better prepared than ever to face the challenges of the new year ahead. Day or night, the volunteers of Aberystwyth RNLI remain ready to launch, ready to learn, and ready to save lives at sea.

Notes to editors

• Image credits: RNLI/Billy Swanson
• Aberystwyth lifeboat station has been operating since 1861. To learn more about the lifeboat station go to: rnli.org/Aberystwyth.

RNLI media contacts
For more information contact Billy Swanson, RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer at [email protected].

Alternatively you can contact Claire Fitzpatrick-Smith, Regional Communications Manager on 07977 728315 or [email protected], or the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI is the charity that 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 146,700 lives.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, TikTok 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.