Cromer RNLI bids farewell to long-serving Coxswain and Mechanic Paul Watling

Cromer RNLI is marking the retirement of one of its most respected and long-serving crew members, Coxswain and Mechanic Paul Watling, who steps down after an extraordinary 40 years with the lifesaving charity – including the last 20 years at Cromer.

Paul first joined the RNLI as a volunteer mechanic and helm at Happisburgh, where he served with dedication for 20 years. He then took up a full-time position at Cromer, where he has spent the past two decades. Remarkably, his employment did not replace his voluntary commitment: throughout his 20 years on staff, Paul continued to volunteer alongside his full-time duties, giving even more of his time to the lifesaving service and to the community he cares so deeply about.

Paul’s contribution to the RNLI has been exceptional. Serving both as a full-time employee and a dedicated volunteer, he has been involved in countless shouts and has played a vital role in keeping Cromer’s lifeboats ready to launch at any moment. Known for his sharp technical skill, calm leadership and trademark sense of humour, Paul has also been instrumental in training and mentoring the next generation of lifesavers.

Reflecting on his four decades of service, Paul said: “It’s been a real honour to be part of the lifeboat family for so many years. I’ve worked with some incredible people, and being able to help keep our crews and the public safe has meant the world to me. Cromer is a special station, and while I’ll miss the buzz of it all – and the banter – I know it’s in very good hands. I also couldn’t have done any of it without my family – they’ve spent years watching me dash out the door when the pager went, and I know that brought them their fair share of worry. Their support has been everything. One of my proudest moments has been seeing my daughter and son-in-law become volunteers here at the station.’

Derek Hinds, President of Cromer RNLI, paid tribute to Paul’s contribution:

“Paul is one of those rare individuals who combines deep professional expertise with genuine warmth and humour. He has been central to the running of our station, and his commitment to both the crew and our community has been unwavering. His impact on the next generation of lifesavers cannot be overstated. We owe him a tremendous debt of gratitude and wish him all the very best in his well-earned retirement.”

John Redmond, Cromer RNLI lifeboat operations manager said:

“Paul has been at the heart of our operations for many years. His knowledge of the boats, his calm presence under pressure and his ability to bring out the best in the crew have made him an irreplaceable part of the team. His dedication has kept our lifesaving service running smoothly day after day, and we’ll miss both his professionalism and his humour around the station. We’re immensely grateful for everything he’s given to Cromer. Paul leaves with the sincere thanks of everyone at Cromer RNLI and the wider lifeboat community. Plans are already underway to celebrate his exceptional service."

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Key facts about Cromer RNLI

The Cromer Lifeboat Station was established in 1804 and was not taken over by the Institution from the Norfolk Shipwreck Association until 1857. Since 1923 there have been two lifeboats at Cromer, and currently there is a D Class inshore boat and Tamar all-weather lifeboat. The outstanding figure in the history of Cromer is Henry George Blogg who became a member of the Cromer crew in 1894 at the age of 18. He was coxswain from 1909-1947. During his 53 years as a lifeboat crew member, the Cromer lifeboats had been on service 387 times and rescued 873 lives. His record is without equal in the history of the Institution. No lifeboat crew member has received so many decorations for gallantry. Cromer RNLI lifeboat station was founded in 1804 and became part of the RNLI in 1824, and in that time its crews have launched the lifeboats 1435 times and saved 1294 lives.

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.

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