Llandudno RNLI a busy day of assessments

Monday 29 September 2025

On Monday 29 September, Llandudno Lifeboat Station completed five crew assessments as part of its ongoing training program. These assessments, or pass-outs, are a key step in ensuring volunteers are ready for the challenges of lifesaving at sea.

The day began at 9am and continued through until 10pm, with both boat crew and shore crew involved.

Inshore Lifeboat (ILB):

Lisa Lovelady achieved her Tier 2 ILB pass-out, overseen by Coastal Lifeboat Trainer Simon Bunting. Shortly after, Calum Darling also passed his Tier 2 ILB assessment, with Simon leading and Coastal Lifeboat Trainer Anna Heslop observing.

All-Weather Lifeboat (ALB):

Later in the day, the station’s All-Weather Lifeboat launched for Tier 2 assessments of Benjamin Lee and Leon Bagnall. Both were assessed by Simon and Anna.

Tier 2 assessments require crew members to show a solid understanding of essential skills including navigation, interpreting collision regulations, and taking command during emergency drills such as “man overboard.” They must also show continued ability in core seamanship skills from Tier 1 training, such as anchoring, towing, and general boat handling.

Shore Crew:

While the ALB was at sea, Ron Tustin completed his ALB Shore Crew plan assessment with Local Trainer Assessor Bert Williams. Ron is now qualified to assist with the launch and recovery of the ALB without supervision and can progress to Launch Vehicle Driver and Head Launcher plans.

The five volunteers balance their lifeboat duties with busy day jobs: Lisa is a Lead Nurse in a dental practice, Calum manages several businesses, Ben is an artisan baker, Leon works as a wedding officiant and freelance photographer, and Ron is a heating engineer.

Llandudno Lifeboat Station thanks trainers Simon Bunting, Anna Heslop, and Bert Williams for their support, along with the full crew and shore crew for the effort they put into both the assessments and everyday training.

ALB Crew Photos by Nigel Millard

ILB Crew Photos by Leon Bagnall

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.

The weather's hot, but the water's cold

Llandudno RNLI a busy day of assessments

Key facts about the RNLI

Learn more about the RNLI

Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

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