Donate now

Andy Merry Steps Down from Tower RNLI After a Decade of Service

Lifeboats News Release

During Andy’s decade with Tower RNLI which is the busiest lifeboat station in the UK - the station’s crews were directly involved in saving over 149 lives and assisting thousands more in distress on the river.

Andy Merry standing in his yellow PPE in front of Tower Bridge with a serious off the shoulder pose.

Laura Lewis

Andy Merry captured in front of Tower Bridge.

His commitment, professionalism, and calm leadership have made a lasting impact on both the crew and the wider lifesaving community along the Thames.

Tower Lifeboat Station Manager Kevin Maynard said, ‘Andy has been an incredible volunteer here at Tower RNLI, giving ten amazing years to serving on the River Thames. He’s played a huge part in saving lives and helping countless people when they’ve needed it most. Always reliable, calm, and a great friend to everyone, while he’s stepping down from operational duties, we’re so pleased he’s staying part of the Tower family, the door will always be open for him.’

Andy joined the RNLI operational crew in 2015 bringing with him a deep passion for lifesaving and teamwork. Whether responding to emergencies in challenging conditions or being a key social friend of the crew, Andy embodied the RNLI’s core values of selflessness, courage, and dependability.

During his ten years, he also guarded the Queen’s coffin during lying in state and also took part in the coronation of King Charles III.

Although stepping back from operational duties, Andy remains a valued part of the Tower RNLI community and continues to support the charity’s mission to save lives at sea.


Notes to Editor

Tower RNLI, based in the heart of London, is our busiest lifeboat station. The crew are on the station 24/7, 365 days a year- ready to respond to any incident immediately.

RNLI media contacts

For more information please contact:

· Ashley Bard, RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on [email protected]

· Hatti Mellor, Regional Communications Manager [email protected]

· RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.

Andy holding his certificate of service which was presented to him by Station Manager Kevin Maynard.

RNLI/Tower

Andy holding his certificate of service which was presented to him by Station Manager Kevin Maynard.

Key facts about the RNLI

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.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, TikTok 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.

Categories