
Port Talbot RNLI veteran recreates iconic image 42 years later
RNLI volunteer Ron Jones, was part of the pioneering first RNLI crews to test the now staple kit of all RNLI crews, the dry suit.
Port Talbot RNLI was selected to test the very first dry suits. The very tough launch style via man power alone and often huge surf conditions was deemed the perfect test bed, with crews having to manhandle the boat and trailer down the beach to the surf edge before having to push the boat and trailer to launch depth.
The helm would then jump on board start the engine with crew holding the boat until the helm expertly picked a gap in the surf, giving the command 'crew in'. The physicality of this launch technique was seen as the perfect test conditions for what would become the dry suits all volunteers now rely on.
Prior to these first tests, Ron remembers donning one of his own wetsuits that he used when he worked the beach as a lifeguard. Before 1983, crews only used wetsuits under the oil skins.
In 1983, Port Talbot RNLI was rewarded for their pioneering work when they took delivery of the first three dry suits.
42 years on, Ron still dons the dry suit that he and his fellow were so instrumental in developing but now as volunteer shore crew when he isn't driving the launch vehicles or authorising the launch of the lifeboat.
As the RNLI starts its 3rd century of saving lives at sea, the volunteers of today have far superior equipment and training but still rely totally on volunteers, funded 100% by donations.
RNLI media contacts
For more information please contact Port Talbot RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer, Ceri Jeffreys on [email protected], or Claire Fitzpatrick-Smith, Regional Communications Manager on [email protected] or 07977 728 315.
Alternatively, you can contact the RNLI Press Office on [email protected] or 01202 336789.
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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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