New helm at New Brighton RNLI

Connor joined New Brighton RNLI in 2022 and has since qualified in many roles such, lifeboat press officer, shore crew, navigator and now adds another feather to his cap, becoming the station's lastest helm.

Connor also volunteers alongside his partner Ffion who joined the crew in 2024 as the lifeboat medical advisor. Ffion is responsible for conducting medicals with the crew.

Connor and Ffion also became new parents in October last year, welcoming thier little boy Robin into the world. Connor's new role as helm will involve him taking command of New Brighton's Altantic 85 lifeboat during callouts. Connor has trained incredibly hard the last couple of years to learn and achieve all that is required to take on the responsibility of saving lives at sea, all whilst recently becoming a new dad.

During the assessment an RNLI coastal trainer put Connor through his paces, making him demonstrate all aspects of command, search and rescue, boat handling and emergency procedures.

Connor said:

'It is an immense honour and privilege to represent New Brighton RNLI as their newest helm. It's been a lot of hard work to reach this point and I'm very proud to have passed out, but this could not have happened without the incredible dedication, teamwork and training from the entire crew.

'I owe all the volunteers at New Brighton enormous thanks and can't wait to get started in this new role for them.'

New Brighton Lifeboat Operations Manager, Lee Arnall said:

'This is a tremendous achievement and marks a major milestone in Connor’s RNLI volunteer career. Reaching helm status is the result of many months of dedication, commitment, training and assessment.

'The role of helm carries significant responsibility. A helm is entrusted not only with the safe operation of our lifeboat, but also with the welfare of every crew member and casualty in their care, while upholding the values, professionalism and reputation of both New Brighton Lifeboat Station and the RNLI.

'As lifeboat operations manager, I have every confidence in Connor’s ability to carry out this role to the highest standards. He has demonstrated the skill, judgement, leadership and commitment expected of an RNLI helm, and I know he will continue to uphold the professional standards of our station and the institution as a whole. I am proud to entrust him with the responsibility that comes with this position and the lives of those in his care.'

Notes to Editors:

• New Brighton RNLI was established in 1863 in the bustling seaside resort of New Brighton, on the northeast corner of the Wirral peninsula. They cover the River Mersey and out into the Irish Sea.
• The station is home to a B class Atlantic 85 lifeboat, one of the fastest in the RNLI fleet. The crews at New Brighton have been presented with a remarkable 48 awards for gallantry to date.

RNLI Media Contacts

For further information, please contact:

Emily Craven
Deputy Lifeboat Press Officer/ILB Crew
[email protected]
07986119684

Connor Wray
Lifeboat Press Officer/ILB Crew
[email protected]
07756553092

Claire Fitzpatrick-Smith, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for Wales, West of England and Isle of Man, 07977 728 315, [email protected]

Danielle Rush, RNLI Regional Communications Lead for Wales, West of England and Isle of Man, 07786 668829, [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.