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Littlestone RNLI's newest helm immediately tasked
Littlestone RNLI volunteer Iain Anderson passed out as the station’s newest helm and was tasked to a service call before the charity lifeboat had returned to station.
On Thursday 16 July, Littlestone volunteer Iain Anderson successfully underwent a full passout overseen by Coastal Lifeboat Trainer Ruth Oliver.
Iain's pre-launch tasks included an online assessment of operating procedures and International Regulations for the Prevention of Collision at Sea (IRPCS).
The afloat assessment was conducted in the Channel waters off Littlestone and lasted two hours. His comprehensive assessment was the culmination of years of training and commitment and Iain passed with flying colours. Before he could celebrate his success with the crew waiting ashore, the lifeboat was tasked by HM Coastguard to assist a paddle boarder in difficulty off Princes Parade in Hythe.
The charity lifeboat Jean McIvor made best speed to the position given by the Coastguard and was able to report that the casualty had managed to make their way in safely. Iain then commanded the boat back to Littlestone and successfully completed a net recovery in challenging conditions.
Following the debrief after coming ashore, Iain thanked Ruth, his crew and those on station who had helped and encouraged him. It would be impossible to train boat crew and answer service calls without the dedication of our brilliant shore crew team who enable the safe launch and recovery of the lifeboat. We are always looking for volunteers to come and join our crew and there are plenty of roles that don't involve going to sea.
Lifeboat Operations Manager John Kenny paid tribute to Iain saying:
‘Iain’s unstinting commitment and hard work has been rewarded by this successful pass out as an RNLI helm. Our station has been pulling together to increase the number of helms we have. This helps us to be able to answer the call whenever the pager goes off. Thanks to everyone who has helped in this fantastic journey.'
RNLI Media Contacts
For further information, please contact:
Clinton Marshall, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for Littlestone RNLI, [email protected]
John Kenny, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for Littlestone RNLI, [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.
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.