New leader at Dart RNLI is relishing the challenge

Mike Atwell has taken over as Chair of the Dart RNLI Management Team after the previous incumbent, Jake Moores, stepped aside after more than 12 years in the role.

Mike was Lifeboat Operations Manager at Calshot RNLI Station at the end of Southampton Water before relocating to the South Hams at the end of last year.

One of his first tasks was to get back involved with a charity he so admires, and the chair vacancy presented the ideal opportunity.

‘It is absolutely perfect for me as I’ve always had a passion for the RNLI and I was very keen to stay involved after leaving Calshot,’ he said.

‘I grew up around boats and I have a management background, so becoming the new chair seemed the perfect fit.’

Mike, a father of three grown up boys, has always been an admirer of the RNLI volunteers, and is seeing the same dedication in Dartmouth after taking time to meet some of the crew and on-shore teams.

‘You can see how much the crew love coming down to the station and getting on the water, whether for a shout or for training,’ he said.

‘I am full of admiration for their dedication and their commitment. So many people giving up their time and energy to help such a great cause. It is inspiring.’

Mike, who lives near Noss Mayo with his wife, has always had a passion for the water himself.

A career in real estate as an agent and a consultant has seen him living out of the UK for 28 years of his working life, in countries as diverse as Bahrain, Poland, France and Saudi Arabia.

He now works for DHL’s real estate development team, setting up logistic warehouses across Europe, which allows him to largely work from home – where he has a view of the River Yealm.

‘I have a motor launch from Appledore which is 75 years old. She was one of the original passenger launches and was in a complete and utter state when I bought her last year.

‘Through the winter I have spent time stripping her back and refurbishing. It’s not complete yet but from where I live I can check on her every morning without leaving the house.’

Mike, a dinghy sailor and yachtsman when younger, is also a keen swimmer – he has taken part in the Dart10k – and is now relishing the opportunity to help out at Dart RNLI.

‘It’s about giving back and being involved in such a great organisation,’ he added. ‘I just want to help where needed.

‘Dart has the operational crew, the shore team, the fundraising team, water safety and the Visitor Centre, which is one of the top performing centres in the South West. I look forward to assisting them where I can.

‘The connection and the spirit of the new station is fantastic. It is a privilege to be involved.’

RNLI Media Contacts

For further information, please contact:

Dom Hart, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for RNLI South West, [email protected]

Kyle Reed, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for South West England, 07786 668847, [email protected]

Amy Caldwell, RNLI Regional Communications Lead for South West England, 07920 818807, [email protected]

RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789, [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.

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