Bridlington RNLI recognised in Council Chairmans Awards
Bridlington RNLI volunteers have been recognised by East Riding of Yorkshire Council for their commitment and support to the community following the tragic incident in Withernsea earlier this year.
Volunteers from Bridlington RNLI, alongside many other organisations and members of the public, were presented with a Commendation Award at the East Riding of Yorkshire Council Chairman’s Awards ceremony, held in Beverley on Tuesday 12 May. The award acknowledges the response and support provided during a deeply distressing time for the Withernsea community.
Two Bridlington RNLI volunteers, Sarah Berrey and Mike Patrick, who were serving onboard the Bridlington RNLI all‑weather lifeboat, Antony Patrick Jones, on 2 January 2026, attended the ceremony to accept the award on behalf of the charity and its volunteers.
Speaking of the ceremony, Sarah Berrey said, ‘Our thoughts remain very much with the families affected and with the whole Withernsea community. It has been a difficult time, and it is right that the efforts of all the emergency services, as well as the courage and compassion shown by members of the public, are recognised together.’
Mike Patrick added, ‘On the day, our role was to support the wider emergency response during an extremely challenging and upsetting incident. This award is not about individuals, but about the collective efforts of volunteer RNLI crews from Bridlington, Withernsea and Skegness, the support of the wider station team, and the strength of the communities we serve.’
The Chairman of East Riding of Yorkshire Council, Councillor Liam Dealtry, said:
‘Following the tragedy at the start of the year in Withernsea, I felt it was important, on behalf of the Council, to recognise the bravery, dedication and selflessness shown by members of the public and by the emergency services who responded.’
Notes to editors. Photo Credit: EYRC/Les Stubbs
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