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Two generations of lifesavers train together at Wells RNLI
It was a real family affair at Wells RNLI on Saturday 14 November, as not one, but two father-and-son duos took to the water together for a training exercise aboard the station’s Shannon class all-weather lifeboat, Duke of Edinburgh.
Among the volunteer crew taking part were father and son Harvey and Darwin, alongside fellow father-and-son duo Ross and Harvey, making it a particularly special training session for the Wells lifeboat family.
For Darwin, who is also preparing to join the Royal Navy, volunteering at Wells RNLI is about much more than following in his father’s footsteps. He is continuing a proud family tradition of helping to save lives at sea, with several generations of his family having dedicated their time to the charity.
His father, Harvey, has volunteered at Wells RNLI for seven years, undertaking a number of important operational roles, including Head Launcher, SLRS Driver and all-weather lifeboat crew. But the family connections don’t end there. Darwin’s uncle, Martin, is also a familiar face at the station, serving as Deputy Second Coxswain, Mechanic and inshore lifeboat Helm.
His great-uncle, Greg, has also dedicated many years to the RNLI and continues to support the station as a Launch Authority and Lifeboat Training Co-ordinator, having previously served as crew on both the all-weather and inshore lifeboats.
With so much family history connected to Wells RNLI, it is perhaps no surprise that Darwin has chosen to become part of the lifeboat family himself. His decision to join the Royal Navy also reflects his growing interest in a life connected to the sea, with the skills, teamwork and discipline developed through RNLI training providing valuable experience as he prepares for the next chapter.
Wells RNLI volunteer Harvey, Darwin’s father, said: ‘To be able to go out on the lifeboat and train alongside my son is something really special. I’ve been volunteering here for seven years, and it’s become such an important part of my life. Seeing Darwin getting involved and learning the skills needed to become a lifeboat crew member makes me incredibly proud.
‘Knowing he’s also preparing to join the Royal Navy makes it even more special. He’s got an exciting future ahead of him, and it’s lovely that we can share these experiences together before he takes that next step.
‘The RNLI is more than just a lifeboat station. We’re a close-knit community where everyone looks out for one another, and there’s a real sense of belonging. It’s wonderful to see the next generation getting involved and continuing something that means so much to our family.’
Wells RNLI volunteer Darwin said: ‘Growing up with so many members of my family involved with the RNLI, I’ve always known what an important part of our lives the lifeboat station is. It’s really nice to now be involved myself and to have the opportunity to train alongside Dad.
‘One of the best things about Wells RNLI is how welcoming everyone is, especially towards younger people who want to get involved. Everyone is really supportive, and there’s always someone willing to help you learn something new.
‘The training is brilliant. You learn so many different skills, gain confidence and work alongside people with years of experience. You don’t have to know everything when you join because you’re given the training and support you need.
‘I’m also preparing to join the Royal Navy, so being part of the RNLI is a fantastic opportunity to develop my skills and experience on the water. I’m really looking forward to what the future holds, but it’s great to be part of the Wells crew and share something so special with my family.’
The exercise was equally memorable for Ross and his son Harvey, who also had the opportunity to train together aboard the Duke of Edinburgh, highlighting the strong family connections and friendships that make up the volunteer crew at Wells RNLI.
Regular training exercises are an essential part of life at the lifeboat station, allowing volunteers to develop their skills, build confidence and work together as a team, ensuring they are ready to respond whenever their pagers sound.
While Saturday’s exercise brought two father-and-son duos together, it also demonstrated something that makes the RNLI so special: volunteers from different generations, backgrounds and experiences coming together with one shared purpose saving lives at sea.
Wells RNLI hopes stories like Darwin’s will inspire more young people to consider volunteering and discover the friendships, opportunities and sense of community that come with being part of the lifeboat family.
From learning new skills to building lifelong friendships, volunteering with the RNLI offers the opportunity to make a real difference while being part of something extraordinary.
RNLI Media Contacts
For further information, please contact:
Jess Curtis, Wells RNLI Press office [email protected] 07860200790
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.