RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager receives 30 year long service medal

The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) has proudly recognized Kevin Knox, a dedicated volunteer from Berwick-upon-Tweed, with the prestigious 30-year long service medal.

This award celebrates three decades of unwavering commitment to saving lives at sea. Over the course of his service, Kevin has held key operational roles including all weather lifeboat, (ALB) Crew, ALB Navigator, and ALB Coxswain, demonstrating both skill and leadership in the most challenging maritime conditions. His dedication exemplifies the RNLI’s core values of courage, selflessness, and reliability.

Kevin said upon receiving the honour; ‘This medal is not just about the years it represents the teamwork, sacrifice, and shared mission of saving lives. I accept it on behalf of our station and the families who support us. It has been a privilege to serve with the RNLI over the last 30 years, even with some challenging changes along the way '

Past crewman Michael Ross said; ‘I have known Kevin about forty years now. I was really happy to be involved during the early part of his lifeboat service and for him to become a Coxswain and subsequently to become Lifeboat Operations Manager. It was an honour to be co presenter of his long service medal.

'The RNLI long service medal is awarded at milestones of 20, 30, 40 and 50 years, recognizing volunteers who have given sustained service with distinction.

The RNLI, founded in 1824, relies on volunteers like Kevin to carry out its lifesaving mission. Each year, crews respond to thousands of emergencies around the UK and Ireland, often in challenging and dangerous conditions.’

Gordon Blackett also a past crew member said; 'I speak on behalf of all the crew here to night. Kevin retired from the crew because of his age, and went on to become a Deputy Launching Authority, eventually taking over as Lifeboat Operations Manager which he has excelled at, his work and dedication is second to none, you lead from the top, well done we are all proud of you.’

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 142,700 lives.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter 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

For more information, please contact Hazel Bettison, RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer: [email protected]

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.