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Plymouth RNLI say farewell to retiring station Coxswain/Mechanic

Lifeboats News Release

Plymouth Lifeboat Coxswain/Mechanic Simon Jeffery prepares to hang up his yellow wellies for the final time as he retires from the RNLI.

Plymouth RNLI retiring Coxswain/Mechanic Simon Jeffery

RNLI/Darren Blight

Plymouth RNLI retiring Coxswain/Mechanic Simon Jeffery

Today [Thursday 23rd January] is Simon’s last operational day for the charity that saves lives at sea. Since he started as a volunteer at Plymouth RNLI in 2018, Simon has launched on service 225 times, saved 2 lives, aided 363 people, and spent over 350 hours at sea with countless more hours on exercise and training with our volunteer crew.

Simon began volunteering at the lifeboat station as a member of the shore crew in May 2018 while working full-time for Princess Yachts as a Test Engineer. He worked his way up to the boat crew before becoming the full-time Station Mechanic in May 2019. In April 2021, he became the full-time station Coxswain/Mechanic, taking over from David Milford, who retired after 32 years as Coxswain.

Ensuring crew welfare, maintaining operational readiness of our lifesaving assets, coordinating and arranging many of our community events as well as being the operational link between our Shop, Press, Fundraising and Water Safety Teams are just some of the areas Simon has been responsible for during his tenure as Coxswain/Mechanic at Plymouth RNLI.

Speaking about his time at Plymouth RNLI, Simon said:

“As I retire from my role as the full-time Coxswain/Mechanic of the Plymouth Lifeboat, I can’t help but reflect on the incredible journey we’ve shared over the years. From battling the raw power of the sea in the darkest nights and harshest weather conditions to moments when time was running out, we’ve always stood together, unwavering in our mission to save lives at sea.

We’ve saved lives and aided many. Each rescue is a story: a life returned to loved ones, a family spared the pain of loss, and a chance for someone to see another sunrise. Behind each of those lives are moments I’ll never forget moments of fear, courage, teamwork, and relief.

The crew that stood beside me are the backbone of this service. Your dedication, skill, and courage have been the reason for every success. Each of you has brought something special to our missions, and I am humbled to have had the privilege of leading such an extraordinary team.

Of course, none of what we do would be possible without the unwavering support of our families. They are the silent heroes, patiently waiting, often anxiously, as we answer the call. They are the ones who understand the weight of the pager’s sound and the urgency it brings. To our families, thank you for your love, patience, and sacrifice it has meant everything.

A huge thank you also goes to our amazing fundraising volunteers and supporters, who are a key part of everything we do, without their support, none of this would be possible.

As I leave this role, I do so knowing that the Plymouth Lifeboat station is in safe hands. The next generation of crew members will continue this vital work, and I am confident they will carry the same spirit of commitment and compassion.

To all my fellow crew members and all the volunteers of Plymouth RNLI, thank you from the bottom of my heart. I’m so grateful for the shared laughter, the tough lessons, the triumphs, and even the challenging days. These memories will always be with me.“


Nigel Jones, Area Operations Manager said:

"In his tenure at Plymouth Lifeboat Station as full-time Coxswain/Mechanic, Simon has made a huge positive impact and been responsible for some credible improvements in many areas.

From the rapid increase of crew numbers to healthy levels over a short period of time, through to the development of valuable and effective relationships with many external bodies, supporters and engagement volunteers, he has unequivocally and selflessly made his mark.

Leading his team of operational volunteers in the spirit of saving lives at sea in all conditions, Simon has been the consummate maritime professional throughout and will be sorely missed by everyone at Plymouth RNLI. I wish him the very best fortune for his new adventures."

From everyone at Plymouth RNLI we thank you for your service, dedication and commitment and wish you well on your next adventure.


Notes to editors

Photos

  • Plymouth RNLI retiring Coxswain/Mechanic Simon Jeffery
    Photo Credit RNLI / Darren Blight

  • Plymouth RNLI retiring Coxswain/Mechanic Simon Jeffery on Plymouth’s Severn Class Lifeboat Sybil Mullen Glover
    Photo Credit RNLI / Darren Blight

  • Coxswain/Mechanic Simon Jeffery onboard Coastguard Helicopter Rescue 924
    Photo Credit RNLI / Darren Blight

  • Coxswain/Mechanic Simon Jeffery being winched up the Coastguard Helicopter Rescue 924
    Photo Credit RNLI / Darren Blight

  • Coxswain/Mechanic Simon Jeffery on his final exercise
    Photo Credit RNLI / Darren Blight

  • Plymouth RNLI retiring Coxswain/Mechanic Simon Jeffery
    Photo Credit RNLI / Darren Blight

Information

Plymouth is busy station based in the Old Custom House at Millbay Marina Village, Plymouth Lifeboat Station has two lifeboats, an all-weather Severn Class lifeboat Sybil Mullen Glover and an Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat Annabel E Jones.

To find out more about Plymouth lifeboat station go to https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeboat-stations/plymouth-lifeboat-station

Plymouth RNLI Facebook page www.facebook.com/PlymouthRNLI


RNLI media contacts


Plymouth RNLI retiring Coxswain/Mechanic Simon Jeffery

RNLI/Darren Blight

Plymouth RNLI retiring Coxswain/Mechanic Simon Jeffery
Coxswain/Mechanic Simon Jeffery onboard Coastguard Helicopter Rescue 924

RNLI/Darren Blight

Coxswain/Mechanic Simon Jeffery onboard Coastguard Helicopter Rescue 924
Coxswain/Mechanic Simon Jeffery being winched up the Coastguard Helicopter Rescue 924

RNLI/Darren Blight

Coxswain/Mechanic Simon Jeffery being winched up the Coastguard Helicopter Rescue 924
Coxswain/Mechanic Simon Jeffery on his final exercise

RNLI/Darren Blight

Coxswain/Mechanic Simon Jeffery on his final exercise
Plymouth RNLI retiring Coxswain/Mechanic Simon Jeffery

RNLI/Darren Blight

Plymouth RNLI retiring Coxswain/Mechanic Simon Jeffery

Key facts about the RNLI

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.

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.

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