Galway RNLI announces new helm for lifeboat

The helm is the most senior lifeboat crew command role for an inshore lifeboat and James is the first new helm for Galway RNLI since 2017.

James said: ‘I joined the RNLI as a volunteer in September 2017 initially as shore crew before starting training to become lifeboat crew. Last year I completed the training to become a navigator in preparation for moving on to and qualifying for the role of helm. I’m delighted to take on this senior position and have the opportunity to continue in a lifesaving role while also contributing to the future of the lifeboat station by training the next generation of crew.

‘Growing up I spent my time on the water taking part in various water activities like powerboating and sailing. Friends of the family were involved in Galway RNLI so when I was old enough to volunteer myself it seemed like a great way to apply the skills I had learned on the water, to saving lives at sea.

‘It is a big step up to progress from crew to the command position as helm. I was encouraged to go for this role by the Lifeboat Operations Manager and also by the other helms. I wouldn’t have been able to do it without their support in sharing their knowledge, providing training opportunities and put me through my paces to make sure I was ready for the helm assessment.

‘There were some long nights of study and this along with the years of experience I have gained as lifeboat crew has helped me to prepare for whatever situation I might face as a helm when we are called out on a shout.

‘I’d like to acknowledge all of the time commitment that the station management, helms and crew gave to me.’

Mike Guilfoyle, volunteer Lifeboat Training Coordinator for Galway Lifeboat Station said: ‘They say it takes a village to raise a child, but to become an RNLI helm that takes a dedicated candidate, a fully invested lifeboat station crew, expert assessors, an understanding family and countless hours of preparation and study.

‘The helm is responsible for the safety of the crew on board the lifeboat and for everything that happens during a rescue. The helm training covers all aspects of boat handling, emergency situation management and leadership and includes online modules, on shore training, training at the RNLI College in Poole, training at sea and lots of studying. Not an easy undertaking on top of holding down a full time job and also being on call 24/7 to launch on rescues.

‘As is tradition here in Galway, once James passed his assessment he was presented with a key to the lifeboat station and it was appropriate that the RNLI Assessor Trainer Seán Ginnelly was the person to present the key. Seán has spent many hours with us this year training and assessing our crew as they all pursue their individual training plans and goals.

‘By having a key and opening the station, the helms are in command from the time the crew assemble and launch until the lifeboat and crew return, the boat is brought back ashore to be washed down and fuelled up, the post-launch paperwork completed, the crew are safe to go home and the helm can then be the last person to leave and lock up.

‘The RNLI has a competency framework for training crew and by my calculations anyone who follows the same progression as James must study and pass assessments for more than 50 competency modules. It is a massive undertaking which requires someone who is dedicated, enthusiastic and committed to the RNLI’s lifesaving mission and that is the perfect description of James. We are incredibly proud of his achievement and the inspiration he is for future crew.’

Ends

RNLI Media Contacts

For further information, please contact:

Aoife Morrissy, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for RNLI Ireland, [email protected]

Nuala McAloon, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for Ireland, 087 648 3547, [email protected]

Niamh Stephenson, RNLI Regional Communications Lead for Ireland, 087 125 4124, [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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