Two New Quay RNLI crew members qualify as lifeboat coxswains
This week, two long serving volunteer crew members reached a major milestone in their lifesaving journey. After completing their final assessments, Simon Rigby and Ben Davies have officially qualified as all weather lifeboat coxswains, following an intensive period of training and evaluation.
Simon and Ben underwent their final pass‑out assessments under the supervision of RNLI Coastal Trainer Hugh Spud Davies. This marked the culmination of many months of preparation, both afloat and ashore.
Ed Hides, New Quay RNLI’s Lifeboat Operations Manager said, “As part of their qualification process, Simon and Ben completed detailed theory examinations covering RNLI policies, operational procedures and collision regulations. They were also tested through a series of simulated search‑and‑rescue (SAR) scenarios designed to assess their command skills, communication and decision‑making under pressure.
“It’s a very intense process and we would like to congratulate both Simon and Ben on this great achievement. They both successfully demonstrated the high level of competence required to command an RNLI all‑weather lifeboat. They are now fully qualified to take charge during training exercises and on lifesaving operations at sea. Well done!”
Simon said, “After months of training, I’m so happy to have finally passed out as a coxswain. It’s been a lot of hard work and a big learning curve but worth every minute. I just want to say a big thanks to everyone at the station who’s helped me along the way, I couldn’t have done it without them.”
Ben added, “I also want to thank everyone, especially my family, wife Neris and my two girls Malen and Onw for their support throughout this journey. It’s been months of hard work, long evenings of training and plenty of studying but every moment has been worthwhile. The support from the crew, the trainers and the wider station has meant a great deal and I’m incredibly proud to now take on this role as coxswain.”
If you are interested in volunteering with New Quay RNLI contact Martin at New Quay Lifeboat Station on 07955 571556 or [email protected]. Or to find out more go online:
http://volunteering.rnli.org/vacancy/alb-crew---new-quay-599621.html
http://volunteering.rnli.org/vacancy/ilb-crew---new-quay-599625.html
http://volunteering.rnli.org/vacancy/shore-crew---new-quay-599629.html
http://volunteering.rnli.org/vacancy/tractor-driver---new-quay-599636.html
RNLI media contacts
For more information, please contact Kate Williams, New Quay RNLI Lifeboat Press Officer on [email protected].
Alternatively you can contact Claire Fitzpatrick-Smith, Regional Communications Manager on [email protected] or 07977 728 315.
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.