Yarmouth RNLI celebrates long standing volunteer retirement

Robert Scott joined Yarmouth Lifeboat crew as an all-weather volunteer in 1993 and this year, made the difficult decision to hang up his gear and put away those famous yellow wellies.

Between 1993 and 2025, Rob had been a crucial part of the development and progression of the lifeboat station, sharing stories, experiences and was always ready to get stuck in to whatever challenges came his way whilst at sea.

His statistics are truly incredible, and really outline the commitment that Rob had to Yarmouth RNLI. During his time on board, Rob had attended an amazing 412 launches, spending 625 hours at sea whilst on service calls resulting in saving 94 lives and aiding over 600 casualties.
As well as the service call figures, Rob had also attended over 280 exercise launches, spending nearly 550 hours at sea during routine practices.

Rob, who up until recently owned a painting gallery in the heart of Yarmouth town said.
'When I joined 31 years ago and started my training, I wondered what I could contribute to the crew. From the moment I finished and passed my first casualty care course, I felt I had found my future role on the lifeboat.

We brought home casualties on a regular basis, and some under very demanding circumstances. This was especially so when getting on board the casualty vessel in heavy seas, in order to practice the first aid, we had been trained to deliver.

On many occasions grateful casualties have returned to Yarmouth Station to thank the crew. These were happy occasions and a great encouragement to keep going back to sea. With all successful outcomes, it is always the whole crew effort which achieves it.
We never forget that it is the generosity of our supporters and the dedication of our stations shore team and fundraisers which enables us to train and get afloat in the first place.

When I first set up my studio in Yarmouth, it was maroons which called the crew to assemble and man the lifeboat. The whole town knew when their lifeboat was called upon and many would turn out and wave the crew off with good wishes.

It has been my privilege to serve as a volunteer crew member on the Yarmouth Lifeboat.
My lasting memory will be attending the Island Sailing Club Round the Island Races. Living in Cowes I have always had a connection with this huge event on the sailing calendar. For Yarmouth Lifeboat it is usually a long day and also a busy one, but an event which the RNLI stations of the Island and Solent area have always contributed to the safe and successful running of the race.

With some pride I have attended every Round the Island Race for the last 31years, and perhaps this is my own legacy, for volunteering as an all-weather lifeboat crew member.'

As well as seeing many fellow crew member pass their training, and assisting any way possible, Rob has also earned several commendations and medals awarding his bravery, service and commitment to the RNLI.

He has seen three long serving Coxswains, David Kennett, David Lemonius and Howard Lester and four station Mechanics, Bob Cooke, John Hinton, Mark Smith and Richard Gregory-Pimm and served on two RNLI lifeboats, the first being 'Joy and John Wade' 52-08 Arun Class Lifeboat, and Yarmouth's current asset, 'Eric and Susan Hiscock - Wanderer' 17-25 Severn Class Lifeboat.

Rob was also invited to and attended the Royal Garden Party last year as part of the RNLI 200th celebrations as a thank you for his commitment to the service.

Howard Lester, Yarmouth's full time coxswain said. 'Rob and I joined the station at a similar time, over 30 years ago. With his gallery right next door the lifeboat station, he was without a doubt a stalwart of the crew. Rob was not only a highly talented and well respected member of the crew, he was also custodian of the crew fund, and the crew event organiser for most of his tenure, and was renown for having short arms, and deep pockets! It's been an absolute honour and privilege Rob. Happy Retirement from all your dear friends at Yarmouth RNLI.'

Notes to editors

• Photos attached include a variety of snaps of Rob Scott during his time with Yarmouth RNLI.

• Yarmouth RNLI Lifeboat 17-25 Eric and Susan Hiscock (Wanderer) came into service in 2001, prior to that Yarmouth RNLI had an Arun Class Lifeboat 52-08 Joy and John Wade which was in service for 23 years.

• 2025 marks Yarmouth Station's 101st year in service.

RNLI media contacts

● Hebe Gregory-Pimm, Yarmouth RNLI Lifeboat Press Officer [email protected]

● Jess Curtis, Regional Communications Manager (South East & London) [email protected]

● Julie Rainey, Regional Communications Lead (South East) [email protected]

For enquiries outside normal business hours, contact the RNLI duty press officer 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.

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