Newbiggin RNLI mourns the passing of last offshore lifeboat coxswain.

George Robinson Dawson aged 88 years ,was the last offshore lifeboat coxswain at Newbiggin, leading the volunteer team in the 1970’s and early 80’s with his command on board Mary Joicey . During this role he was awarded two separate vellum service awards for particularly difficult rescues the first in 1975 and the second in 1976.

Retired fisherman George, had a long association with the station going back to the 1950’s that followed in the family footsteps for lifesaving. His father Edward was the coxswain of the lifeboat here in the 1950’s and 60’s.

Following operational changes George’s sea experience was invaluable to the station transition from offshore lifeboat to inshore lifeboat operations with George taking on the important role as Deputy Launching Authority while his son, Jimmie, took on the role as lifeboat Senior Helm. After his retirement from the RNLI, George kept himself active in a number of community groups as well as supporting his son at the fishing.

Thank you George for all you have done for Newbiggin RNLI, fair winds and following seas for you on your journey.

A service to celebrate to celebrate George’s life will be held at St Bartholomews Church on Monday 8 December 2025 at 11.30am. The family extend a welcome to join them at the Central Club, Newbiggin afterwards for refreshments.

Notes 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.

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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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