Looe RNLI volunteers congratulate their latest inshore lifeboat helm

Yesterday afternoon, Wednesday 29 October 2025, Looe RNLI volunteer crew member, Goron Jones, was joined by fellow helm Jack Spree along with RNLI assessor / trainer, Ollie George on the charity’s D Class inshore lifeboat Ollie Naismith II for an assessment out in Looe Bay. This assessment is designed to test Goron’s command of both an incident and the D Class lifeboat, together with his navigation skills and knowledge of search, rescue and emergency procedures.

To qualify as an inshore lifeboat helm, Goron had to pass written assessments of navigational skills, seamanship, search patterns, culminating in yesterday’s assessment out in the bay, where Goron had to put all the theory into practice.

Later in the evening as the charity’s inshore lifeboats were being recovered, Looe RNLI’s Lifeboat Operations Manager, Clive Palfrey congratulated Goron saying “The role of an inshore lifeboat helm is very important as it requires sound judgement and leadership, often in challenging and hazardous conditions. Goron success is testament to the many hours of training he had put in to learn the theory and practical skills of being a helm, ably supported and encouraged by the many other volunteers here at the station. I am sure he will continue to develop his skills, ready to lead his fellow crew members when out on a shout or training, continuing Looe Lifeboat Station’s proud tradition of saving lives at sea.

ENDS

Notes to editors

Photos:

· Looe RNLI’s Lifeboat Operations Manager Clive Palfrey congratulating Looe RNLI’s latest helm, Goron Jones
Photo credit RNLI / Ian Foster

Information:

· Re-established as an inshore lifeboat station in 1992, Looe RNLI operate two inshore lifeboats
An Atlantic 85 Sheila and Dennis Tongue II and a D Class Ollie Naismith II

· For further information on Looe RNLI Lifeboats please visit our website https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeboat-stations/looe-lifeboat-station

· Looe RNLI Facebook page www.facebook.com/LooeRNLI

Media contacts

For more information please telephone

Ian Foster, RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for Looe Lifeboat Station, on 07902 753228 or [email protected] or [email protected]

or Emma Haines, RNLI Regional Communications Manager, on 07866 668847 or [email protected]

or Amy Caldwell, RNLI Regional Communications Lead, on 07920 818807 or [email protected]

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.