Fishguard RNLI hosts ‘Women in SAR’ event

On Saturday 4 October 2025, Fishguard RNLI played host to an event celebrating the contribution of women in search and rescue, giving them a place to connect, share, develop and learn.

RNLI representatives from lifeboat stations across Wales and England were present, including Abersoch, Aberystwyth, Cardigan, Filey, Fishguard, Horton & Port Eynon, The Mumbles, Penarth, Port Talbot, Pwllhelli, St Davids and Weston-super-Mare, with volunteers from HM Coastguard teams from Fishguard and St Davids also present.

Gemma Gill, Fishguard RNLI’s Coxswain and lead event organiser said:

‘The RNLI’s national Women in SAR event at the RNLI College in Poole, proved the huge value in getting women together in a place that we can connect with one another, share valuable insights from the female perspective, have fun and build confidence.

‘Rachel Jones, volunteer Launch Authority at Cardigan RNLI, suggested we should run a regional event. So as a full-time coxswain I was keen to support this idea and host it here in Fishguard. I knew I would be able to rely on our fantastic crew here, of both women and men, to support the planning and logistics both prior to the event and on the day. They certainly pulled out all the stops and showed what a crew who believe in equality and equity can achieve together.

‘Women are often, if not always, underrepresented in the SAR space. But this day was about how we can learn from one another, network and use our collective voice to feedback on important topics that will improve our SAR experience. This will in turn benefit our whole crew, our ability to keep our assets on service, and ultimately the outcomes for our casualties.’

The day started with a welcome and brief from Gemma before attendees got to participate in the specialist sessions including:

• Practical use of navigation and salvage equipment on Trent class all-weather lifeboat Blue Peter VII
• Teambuilding activities
• Casualty care first aid scenarios
• VHF radio and HM Coastguard equipment demonstrations
• RNLI Operations Room and Launch Authority scenarios
• Human Factors.

During the day attendees had the opportunity to try on and provide feedback on trial personal protective equipment – lifeboat crew drysuits.

Jess Rogers, volunteer Lifeboat Crew at Fishguard RNLI, said:

‘Although the weather meant we had to adjust our plans to go afloat on the lifeboat, there was so much going on and a variety of fantastic sessions to get involved in. Getting to try on the drysuits and give specific and detailed feedback about how they felt was really valuable.

‘I think being able to connect with fellow women in SAR is what makes these events so worthwhile. Sharing and learning from one another so we can take things forward into our different roles.’

The day also provided time for volunteers and colleagues to catch up, share experiences and provide advice to peers whilst enjoying the numerous home cooked refreshments brought in by participants.

The event concluded with RNLI Regional Engineer, Coral West, talking about her career to date. Coral has recently joined the RNLI in the role and spoke about her motivation and previous experiences of inequity as a woman in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) and in the sporting world.

Gemma said:

‘There was such a buzz and positive atmosphere at the station from start to finish and I want to say a huge thank you to all of the RNLI volunteers and staff who helped make this happen, as well as to our external partners and friends of the station who contributed to make it such a success.’

Fishguard RNLI would like to extend their thanks to all volunteers who assisted in making the day a success, and would also like to thank Tesco Express Goodwick for providing some of the refreshments for the day, StenaLine for providing access to the port and use of their facilities and to Performance Clothing for providing custom embroidered polo shirts free of charge for all attendees.

Notes to editor:

• A selection of images for media use from the day can be found here: https://source.rnli.org.uk/web/58fc7844296a734/fishguard-rnli---women-in-sar-event-2025/

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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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