Littlehampton RNLI volunteer qualifies as youngest Head Launcher

Littlehampton RNLI Lifeboat Station volunteer Josh Bruford has passed out as the lifeboat station's youngest Head Launcher.

A Head Launcher is a highly trained member of the RNLI's shore crew who takes charge of the safe launch and recovery of lifeboats. To qualify for the role, Josh had to complete months of complex training and a practical assessment. During his assessment, Josh led both the launch and recovery of Littlehampton RNLI's two lifeboats.

Josh qualified as Head Launcher a day after his 21st birthday. He joined Littlehampton RNLI in 2024 and becomes the lifeboat station's sixth Head Launcher.

He said: “I'm so pleased to have qualified as Head Launcher and I’d like to thank everyone at Littlehampton RNLI who helped with my training. Volunteering as shore crew is such a rewarding experience. I’d recommend it to anyone. I hope my achievement and the continued dedication and commitment of all the volunteers at our lifeboat station encourages others to volunteer, too.”

Chris King, Littlehampton RNLI’s training coordinator for all shoreside activities, added: “Josh remained level-headed throughout his assessment with an external RNLI assessor, despite having many challenges presented to him, staying focused and unflustered. It’s these qualities we look for in a Head Launcher. The entire team of Head Launchers are delighted that Josh is now part of this.”

Littlehampton RNLI's 18-strong shore crew help with the launch and recovery of the lifeboat station's two lifeboats, Renee Sherman and Spirit of Fidelity, on service and exercise. They also contribute to the overall upkeep of the station, lifeboats and equipment.

Interested in volunteering with Littlehampton RNLI Lifeboat Station? Find out more at https://rnli.org/support-us/volunteer/how-you-can-volunteer

ENDS

RNLI Media Contacts

Beth Brooks, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for Littlehampton RNLI, [email protected]

Stella Sims, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for London and South East England, 07483 316675, [email protected]

Sam Haddad, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for London and South East England, 01202 137713, [email protected]

Julie Rainey, RNLI Regional Communications Lead for London and South East England, 07827 358256, [email protected]

RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789, [email protected]

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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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