Two days of passouts for New Brighton RNLI

On Monday 20 and Tuesday 21 July 2026, six volunteers were put through their paces by an RNLI coastal trainer. Months of hard work and dedication had finally paid off as each volunteer successfully passed out in their various roles.

The volunteers celebrated with tea and cake after Connor passed out as New Brighton's newest helm, Adam revalidated his helm plan, three crew members Jo, Joanne and Hayden completed their Tier Two and Jack completed his Tier One.

These assessments are all set to the highest of standards to ensure volunteers are fully prepared for any challenges the may face when carrying out their mission to save lives at sea.

Connor's helm passout and Adams helm revalidation involved a mix of theory and practical assessment, with both volunteers having to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in commanding the vessel, search and rescue, boat handling and emergency procedures.

Jo, Joanne and Hayden's Tier Two passout involved having their skills assessed in various areas such as watch keeping, helming the boat, navigation, man overboard procedures, towing and anchoring and veering.

Finally Jack was put through his paces during his Tier One assessment, which involved testing his skills and knowledge in areas such as, locate and assist, acting as a lookout, anchoring and veering, mooring and berthing, local knowledge and towing.

All six demonstrated a high standard, showing skills from previous assessments as well and new skills learnt in order to progress to their new roles.

Fliss, Helm and Lifeboat Training Coordinator said:

'As the lifeboat training coordinator, I am incredibly proud of the hard work and dedication of the volunteers at New Brighton RNLI, which has resulted in more volunteers achieving qualified status during this last few days.

'Launch and recovery of the lifeboat requires a number of qualified volunteers in various roles. The results of these external pass outs have demonstrated the commitment to training and ownership of their volunteering journey.

'Without these volunteers, we could not carry out our lifesaving mission to save lives at sea.

'As one of the helms of the lifeboat I never doubt the teamwork and spirit of encouragement that has contributed to our latest round of qualified status over these last couple of days.'

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.