The next chapter at Kirkcudbright RNLI – First new helm in over a decade

Jack Finlay has become the first new volunteer helm on Kirkcudbright Lifeboat Crew in over a decade. Grandson of the late John King who had a long association with Kirkcudbright Lifeboat, both as a crew member and donor, Jack is now carrying on the family tradition.

Lifeboat Trainer Assessor Alasdair Young (Ally) completed Jack's helm assessment pass out on Wednesday 11 August.

He said: 'Jack has worked incredibly hard to train to prepare for this pass out. He should be incredibly proud of his achievement and this is great news for the station with their first new helm passed out in over a decade. I look forward to working with him to further develop Jack and the crew.'

John Collins Kirkcudbright Lifeboat Operations Manager also congratulated Jack saying: 'All of us at the station are delighted to see Jack has now qualified as a B class lifeboat helm and he can now take command of the lifeboat during service and exercise launches. Since he joined the crew he has quickly progressed through the training programme in record time with great enthusiasm and hard work.

'Jack is the first crew member we have had to qualify as helm since 2013. With several of our current helms getting ever closer to retirement age this is a very welcome appointment for us.'

Lifeboat volunteer crews work through a very comprehensive training programme and gain valuable qualifications as they progress. Most of the training is done on station with some residential courses held at the RNLI's training college in Poole Dorset. Another two young crew members will complete their helm assessments very soon to continue the proud service Kirkcudbright Lifeboat Station has provided continuously since 1862.

RNLI Media Contacts

For further information, please contact:

Christine Collins, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for Kirkcudbright RNLI, [email protected]

Richard Smith, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for Scotland, 07826 900639, [email protected]

Martin Macnamara, RNLI Regional Communications Lead for Scotland, 07920 365929, [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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