New Helm at The Mumbles Lifeboat

Adam Evans, who has volunteered for more than 10 years and serves as an all-weather lifeboat mechanic, recently completed the training and assessment required to take command of the ILB.

As part of the assessment, Adam was put through his paces by Coastal Lifeboat Trainer Hugh ‘Spud’ Davies, demonstrating his ability to take command of the ILB across a range of operational scenarios, from searching for casualties to veering in surf - a technique where a line is paid out to control the lifeboat, keeping it seaward to access casualties in shallow water.

Adam said:

‘I’m really proud to have qualified as an ILB helm. The training’s been first class. I’m looking forward to a busy summer ahead and getting stuck in. This training is only possible thanks to all the people who have helped fundraise for our station.’

There is no doubt Adam will have a busy summer ahead.

Also qualifying that day were Robert Dean, who passed out as Tier 2 ILB crew, making him a fully competent crew member on the ILB, and Dan Herbert Evans, who successfully completed his navigator’s training. As navigator, Dan is responsible for safely navigating the lifeboat through the challenging waters of the Bristol Channel, ensuring the lifeboat reaches its casualty quickly and safely.

Tim Conway, Lifeboat Operations Manager at Mumbles RNLI, said:

‘A well-earned achievement for Adam and the station. His passing out enhances our ability to provide a 24/7 rescue service.’

Mumbles lifeboats launched over 100 times last year, with more than 70 involving the inshore lifeboat (ILB). Highly manoeuvrable in surf, it is well suited to picking up swimmers and small boats in challenging conditions.

Like the majority of RNLI lifesavers, Adam, Rob and Dan are volunteers. Across the UK and Ireland, 97% of the RNLI’s frontline lifesavers are volunteers. All ready to drop everything, to answer the pagers call!

• The Mumbles RNLI operates an all-weather lifeboat and an inshore lifeboat (ILB) from its station on Swansea Bay.
• The ILB is designed for rescues close to shore, particularly in shallow water and surf conditions
• RNLI volunteer crews provide a 24-hour search and rescue service, 365 days a year.
• The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea, powered primarily by donations.

For more information, please contact Mumbles RNLI Lifeboat Press Officer, Adam Gilbert:

[email protected] or 07717 793890

Alternatively, contact Claire Fitzpatrick-Smith, Regional Communications Manager:

[email protected] or 07977 728 315

or the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789 or [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.