Holyhead RNLI volunteer marks 10 years of telling stories of lifeboat station

Vicki first joined Holyhead RNLI as Lifeboat Press Officer (LPO) in August 2016, after being approached to fill a vacant role. With a background in journalism and strong family connections to the station, including her husband, brothers-in-law and nephews serving as volunteers, she initially agreed to help ‘until someone else came along’.

Ten years later, she remains at the heart of Holyhead RNLI's volunteer team. Reflecting on her decade in the role, Vicki said:

‘What has kept me going is the crew. I'm still blown away by what they do. The training, the knowledge, the skill they have and the fact they will go out in the dark, in bad weather and search for someone they've never met because they need help. That still amazes me after 10 years.’

As an LPO, Vicki is responsible for turning launches, rescues, station and volunteer milestones into stories that showcase the RNLI's lifesaving work. While many people see the finished news releases, social media posts and media coverage, Vicki says one of the most important parts of the role happens behind the scenes.

‘The writing has always come naturally to me. The bigger challenge has been building relationships and trust with the crew. I always tell them I'm part of the crew too, I just don't go out on the lifeboat. My job is to tell their stories and make sure people understand the incredible work they do.’

Over the past decade, Vicki has covered everything from everyday rescues and animal call outs to royal visits, major storms, community events and some of the station's most difficult moments.

One rescue that remains particularly memorable involved Jon, a young climber who was seriously injured after falling 50ft on the cliffs at South Stack in 2024. The successful rescue operation, combined with seeing the casualty make a full recovery and stay connected with the station afterwards, remains one of her proudest experiences as an LPO.

She has also helped communicate through challenging periods for the station, including severe storms that devastated Holyhead Marina, a major fire close to the lifeboat station, operational changes and the heartbreaking loss of serving crew members.

Throughout it all, she has continued to ensure the station's stories are told with compassion and accuracy. For Vicki, the defining part of Holyhead RNLI is the people.

‘Holyhead RNLI is a very welcoming crew and a real family. I've seen people join who were quite quiet and shy – and have watched them grow in confidence because of the support around them.

‘The crew are resilient and they always pull together, no matter what challenges are thrown at them.’

Reaching her 10-year service anniversary has given Vicki an opportunity to reflect on the impact volunteering has had on her own life.

‘It's the longest I've ever stayed in any role. Looking back, I'm proud of the resilience I've built and of everything the station has come through over the last 10 years. There have been challenges, but there have also been some amazing experiences that I never could have imagined when I first agreed to help out. I’ve learnt a tremendous amount.’

For anyone considering volunteering with the RNLI, Vicki has a simple message:

‘Go down to your local station and have a chat. Everybody brings something different to the table and there's a role for everyone. Whether it's on the crew, fundraising, in the shop, water safety or communications, you'll get far more out of it than you put in.’

Hefin Francis, Holyhead RNLI Station Chair and Launch Authority, said:

‘Vicki's contribution to Holyhead RNLI over the past 10 years has been exceptional. She has played a vital role in helping us share the stories behind our lifesaving work, ensuring the dedication, professionalism and commitment of our volunteers are recognised both locally and nationally.

‘Whether covering a rescue, a fundraising event or a significant moment in the station's history, Vicki always brings skill, accuracy and professionalism to everything she does. Her ability to build strong relationships across the station and tell our stories effectively has helped strengthen connections with our community and raise awareness of the RNLI's lifesaving mission.

‘On behalf of everyone at Holyhead RNLI, I'd like to thank Vicki for her decade of outstanding volunteer service and congratulate her on reaching this significant milestone.'

Holyhead RNLI would like to congratulate Vicki on her 10 years of dedicated volunteer service and thank her for the countless stories she has shared celebrating the station's volunteers and helping raise awareness of the RNLI's lifesaving mission.

Notes to editors

• Vicki Owens became Holyhead RNLI Lifeboat Press Officer in August 2016.
• The RNLI's volunteer Lifeboat Press Officers play a vital role in sharing the stories of RNLI volunteers and rescues within their communities and promoting water safety messages.

RNLI Media Contacts

For more information please contact Claire Fitzpatrick-Smith, RNLI Regional Communications Manager, on [email protected] or 07977 728 315 or alternatively you can contact the RNLI Press Office on [email protected] or 01202 336789.

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.