Shoreham RNLI welcomes six new members to its lifesaving crew

Shoreham RNLI is delighted to welcome six newly qualified volunteer shore crew members to the team.

Shore crew play an essential role in the lifesaving work of the RNLI, and are responsible for the launch and recovery of Shoreham's lifeboats. Crew train hard to qualify, both online and in person every week at the lifeboat station, so it's a real achievement to reach this milestone.

Ashley Dalfin, one of the new shore crew, said: "It changes your life when you get a pager - everywhere I go now I'm thinking 'can I get to the boathouse in ten minutes?' It's a big responsibility, but the training has given me a lot of confidence, as well as the skills I need for the role. Some companies spend thousands to create a team, but here it just happens because we're all united in the same cause - we just want to help save lives at sea."

Andrew Shiner, Shoreham RNLI's Lifeboat Operations Manager, said: "We are delighted to congratulate our newly qualified shore crew, Ashley, Dan, Nico, Max, Steve and Phil, on successfully completing their training. Their enthusiasm, commitment and willingness to step forward for their community embody the very spirit of the RNLI. Shore crew play a vital role in every rescue, and without them our lifesaving work would not be possible. They are now an essential part of the team that helps ensure our volunteer lifeboat crews can go to sea and return home safely."

Notes to editors

Contacts: For more information on this news release, please contact:

Liz Zachary, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer, [email protected]

Key facts about Shoreham Harbour RNLI: Shoreham Harbour RNLI has been saving lives at sea since 1865. Home to a Tamar class all-weather lifeboat, the Enid Collett, and a D class inshore lifeboat, the Joan Woodland, the crew respond to, on average, 80 to 90 shouts a year, covering an area from Brighton Marina to Worthing Pier. The station is run by around 100 volunteers who include a lifeboat operations manager, launch authorities, boat and shore crew, an administrative officer, press officers, fundraisers, shop staff, a visits team, and water safety advisers. No experience is needed to join as a volunteer as comprehensive training is provided.