
Newbiggin RNLI training success but could you volunteer with us?
An intensive theory and practical assessment took place for prospective head launchers and also a recruitment drive launch at Newbiggin RNLI today.
The assessments were undertaken by RNLI Plant and Machinery Trainer Ben McGarry with theory appraisal in the boathouse followed by a lifeboat launch and recovery process where the skills of the head launcher, particularly those appertaining to safe operation, were scrutinised.
The role of head launcher for inshore lifeboat stations is a relatively new one and a number of fully qualified shore crew were being assessed for this role. The head launcher manages the launch and recovery process from the boathouse and into the sea.
Those achieving their qualifications after many hours of hard work were Izzy Brown, Lewis Mortimer, Mark Pearson, Geoff Leslie and Richard Martin who were all passed out as head launchers.
Lifeboat Operations Manager, Ron Henderson, commented 'We are proud of all our volunteer team here at Newbiggin who have worked hard to achieve the standards of this new vital role in the lifeboat operations. The RNLI’s ethos of ‘One Crew’ really shows today as we celebrate these successes.'
Newbiggin RNLI is currently looking to recruit volunteers to various afloat and shore based roles including launch authorities, lifeboat crew and shore crew. Ron added ‘Nationally only 10 percent of our new recruits come with professional maritime experience with our current lifeboat volunteers at Newbiggin working in a variety of non-maritime occupations.
'The RNLI provides comprehensive training to turn ordinary people into lifesavers and by volunteering, people will gain some fantastic experience, knowledge and skills with the RNLI at Newbiggin.’
If your interested in joining our crew, contact our Lifeboat Operations Manager by emailing [email protected] or follow the attached links.
Launch Authority - NewbigginNotes to editors
Newbiggin RNLI is based at Sandridge, Newbiggin by the Sea, Northumberland. The station was established in 1851 and currently operates an Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat
Richard Wake Burdon.
RNLI Media contacts
For more information please telephone Richard Martin, RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer Newbiggin on 07980 010544 or [email protected], Clare Hopps, RNLI Regional Communications Manager, North and East on 07824 518641 or [email protected] or contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.
If you would like to find out more about Newbiggin lifeboat station, its volunteers and its heritage then please look at the local website.
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.