Gareth Davies Qualifies as Volunteer Helm for Weymouth Lifeboat

Gareth’s connection with lifeboats began when he was young. His family regularly visited Cromer in Norfolk, and the sight of the lifeboat at the end of the pier stayed with him. From his mid 20’s onwards, he became increasingly determined to volunteer with the RNLI.

Before settling in Weymouth, Gareth’s career took him from Somerset to South Devon, where he worked as a Music Technician at a college before becoming a Support Worker. While living in South Devon, he also volunteered with Dart Sailability, where he gained powerboat, safety boat, first aid and instructor qualifications. His growing interest in helping others, combined with his love of the coast, led him to train as a paramedic with the London Ambulance Service. He studied while working full time, beginning a six year career in London before eventually returning to the coast with his family. Weymouth was the obvious choice.

“I saw that Weymouth Lifeboat was recruiting on Facebook,” Gareth recalls. “For me, that was a really positive sign. It made me think it was an open station and that there was an opportunity to join.” The family visited Weymouth over a bank holiday weekend and immediately fell for the town. They moved in August 2018, and Gareth began the process of joining the lifeboat station, finally becoming a volunteer crew member in 2021.

Gareth says that the reality of RNLI volunteering has exceeded his expectations. “You know you’re going to be going off on shouts and doing things on the water,” he says, “but I didn’t take into account the people, the friendships and the bonds that you make with the other crew. That’s what’s made it better than I thought it would be.” His experience as a paramedic is also a valuable asset to the crew, particularly when casualties require medical assistance.

Gareth progressed to become a qualified helm on Weymouth’s Inshore Lifeboat in March this year. He completed specialist training in boat handling and command, alongside examinations covering navigation, local knowledge and RNLI procedures. For Gareth, becoming a helm is another step in a journey that he hopes will continue for many years. He would eventually like to progress further within the RNLI, with becoming a mechanic and, ultimately, a coxswain among his ambitions.

Everyone at Weymouth Lifeboat would like to congratulate Gareth on achieving his helm qualification and wish him every success as he continues his journey with the RNLI.

RNLI Media Contacts

For further information, please contact:

Lucy Erskine, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for RNLI South West, [email protected]

Kyle Reed, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for South West England, 07786 668847, [email protected]

Amy Caldwell, RNLI Regional Communications Lead for South West England, 07920 818807, [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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