Penarth RNLI acknowledge service of three volunteer stalwarts

On Wednesday 8 October, Penarth RNLI’s volunteer crew gathered to celebrate and acknowledge the remarkable service of Karl Lawrence, Ian Mock, and Andrew Rabaiotti, three long-serving members who have each made an outstanding contribution to the station and local community.

Between 1981 and 2023, Andrew Rabaiotti served in almost every role imaginable at Penarth RNLI. One of the inaugural members of the station’s reformation in the early 1980s, Andrew began by helping on shore before becoming part of the inshore lifeboat crew in 1986. His dedication and leadership led him to serve as Lifeboat Operations Manager twice. First from 1996 to 2004, and again from 2012 to 2016. Over the years, Andrew also lent his skills to many other vital roles, including Tractor Driver, Launch Authority, and Safety Officer.

Reflecting on his time with the station, Andrew said. ‘It was with great pleasure that I served, and I am very proud of my role and of the many others, some no longer with us who helped to re-establish the important work of the RNLI in Penarth and across the wider Cardiff area.’

Serving alongside Andrew throughout this period was Karl Lawrence, who joined in 1980 and continues to volunteer to this day. From his early years as Lifeboat Crew and Helm to later roles as Head Launch Authority, Karl has been a constant and dependable figure at the station. Known for taking on countless behind-the-scenes tasks, Karl has more recently become the compassionate coordinator of the scattering of ashes of volunteers at ceremonies, providing comfort and dignity to families during those moments, a role much appreciated by all involved.

Completing this trio of dedication, Ian Mock joined Penarth RNLI as Lifeboat Crew in 2007, serving until 2015, before transitioning to Shore Crew, where he continues to support the team in 2025. Ian has also been instrumental in managing some of the technical and mechanical maintenance within the station.

Collectively, during their years of service, the crew’s efforts have contributed to saving well over 200 lives. A legacy of courage, teamwork, and community spirit.

The evening also featured Gareth Wigmore, who entertained those present with colourful stories from the 1980s, many of which, as he humorously noted, ‘wouldn’t quite pass today’s risk assessments.’ One particular tale puzzled some of the younger volunteers, as it involved a mishap with a maroon. Gareth explained that a maroon is a type of signal rocket that produces a loud bang and bright flash, once used to alert crew members to a launch before the days of pagers and mobile phones. Although times have changed his stories served as a vivid reminder of the enduring camaraderie and deep history that continue to define Penarth RNLI.

Notes to editors

· To learn more about the lifeboat station go to:https://www.facebook.com/RNLIPenarth

Photo Credits: Nick White RNLI

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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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