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First shout as D class helm for Southend RNLI volunteer
Southend RNLI volunteer Tyler Bonham completed his first operational callout as a D-class helm on Saturday afternoon 15 August, just weeks after passing his assessment at the end of July.
Dover Coastguard tasked the Southend RNLI volunteer lifeboat crew following reports of two teenagers who appeared to be drifting out to sea in an inflatable boat with an ebbing tide and offshore breeze near Chalkwell.
Launching the inshore D-class lifeboat D-904 Sue Sorotos, the volunteer crew arrived on scene in just five minutes. Upon contact with the casualties, both teenagers confirmed they were uninjured and capable of rowing back to the beach without assistance. Southend RNLI crew stood by and monitored the pair closely until they safely reached the shore.
Southend RNLI volunteer Helm Tyler Bonham said: ‘Taking the helm on my first shout was a fantastic experience. I had an incredible crew alongside me, we stood by to monitor the two casualties on the drifting inflatable until they safely self-recovered to shore.
‘It made for a busy day as I headed straight from Southend RNLI station to Gravesend RNLI station for a night shift in my full-time role as a London Commander’.
The successful tasking marks another milestone for Tyler, who adds D-class helm to his existing volunteer operational qualifications as a B-class helm and hovercraft pilot.
When taking part in water activities: Check the local weather and tides, always wear a buoyancy aid, and avoid going in an offshore breeze.
If you see someone in trouble or find yourself in trouble by the coast or at sea, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
RNLI Media Contacts
Nigel Gilchrist, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for RNLI South East, [email protected]
Stella Sims, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for London and South East England, 07483 316675, [email protected]
Sam Haddad, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for London and South East England, 01202 137713, [email protected]
Julie Rainey, RNLI Regional Communications Lead for London and South East England, 07827 358256, [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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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.