Plymouth RNLI volunteer steps down after more than twenty years of service
After over two decades of dedicated voluntary service, Plymouth RNLI crew member Richard Gibson has stepped down from his role on the lifeboat crew.
Richard joined Plymouth Lifeboat Station in 2004 at 29, following a conversation with a crew member during a work meeting. Living just a stone’s throw from the station and working nearby, he was well-placed to respond to the pager and quickly became a key part of the team. Over the years, he served as a Helm on the Inshore Lifeboat (ILB), a Navigator on the All-weather Lifeboat (ALB), and, most recently as Senior ILB Helm.
In recognition of his long and committed service, Richard was invited to a Buckingham Palace Garden Party to mark his 20 years of volunteering. The Lord Mayor of Plymouth also presented him with coronation and long service medals, honours he says he will always treasure.
Reflecting on his time with Plymouth RNLI, Richard said:
'Joining the lifeboat crew back in 2004 was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I’ve spent time on the crew in my 20s, 30s, 40s, and into my 50s, and it’s hard to put into words what it has meant to me. Lifeboating has been a massive part of my life, and not just mine, but my family's too. My wife and children have lived with the sound of the pager and the late-night shouts for years, and I’m incredibly grateful for their support. The commitment required from my wife, and the effect it has had on the day-to-day logistics for her and my three children, is something that is very rarely understood by anyone who has never had to try to balance family life with carrying a pager as a volunteer crew member.
During my time with Plymouth RNLI, I've launched on hundreds of shouts, volunteered on 19 out of 21 Christmas Days, and played a vital role in many memorable shouts. One that stands out was the recovery of a family with a baby cut off by the tide in Wembury Bay. I helmed the Y-boat through the surf and fading light to bring them to safety. The conditions made it one of the most high-pressure rescues of my time on the crew. The successful outcome was down to the team’s training, experience, and coordination, which has been a constant theme throughout my years with the station.
Over the years, I’ve made lifelong friends, some of whom I’ve stood beside in the toughest conditions. I’ve had the privilege of being part of a crew that’s more like a family, and I even met my wife through the social side of the station. I’ve shared in the joy of successful rescues, and I’ve experienced some of the more difficult sides of the job too. It’s been emotional, exciting, humbling, and unforgettable.
What I’ll miss the most is the people, and perhaps the sound of those twin 1,250 horsepower engines roaring to life. The sea will still be a big part of my life, just with a little less urgency.
Following my retirement from Plymouth Lifeboat Crew, I still intend to spend as much time as possible afloat at sea, whether it is on our kayaks, our powerboat, or my in-laws’ 32-foot sailing yacht. I have thoroughly enjoyed being part of the Plymouth Lifeboat Crew, but it is now time for me to let go and focus more on my own family and spending quality family time together without the pager.'
Nigel Gray, Lifeboat Operations Manager said:
'Richard has been an integral part of the Plymouth station for 20 years, carrying out numerous taskings and exercises over the years. He has seen a lot of change over the years but has always been available for help and support to the crew. He can now look forward to a well-deserved retirement to spend time with his family without interruption from the pager. I’d like to say a huge thank you from us all at Plymouth RNLI and wish him a long and happy retirement.'
Adam Wotton, 2nd Mechanic added:
'Richard has been a valuable crew member to Plymouth Lifeboat Station and a great friend to me since I joined 18 years ago. It’s been a pleasure to serve with him, and he will be missed by myself and others at the station.'
From everyone at Plymouth RNLI we thank you for your service, dedication and commitment, and wish you well on your retirement.
- Richard Gibson onboard Plymouth's Severn Class All-weather Lifeboat Sybil Mullen Glover
Photo Credit RNLI / Darren Blight
- Richard Gibson being presented with his Certificate of Service on Vellum from Lifeboat Operations Manager Nigel Gray
Photo Credit RNLI / Iuliana Cosma
- Before his final exercise senior crew (L-R) Deputy Coxswain Will Roberts, Senior ILB Helm Richard Gibson and 2nd Mechanic Adam Wotton who between them have over 55 years of service dedicated to saving lives at sea.
Photo Credit RNLI / Darren Blight
- Darren Blight, Lifeboat Press Officer, Plymouth Lifeboat Station on 07984 399860
or [email protected]
- Emma Haines, RNLI Regional Communications Manager, on 07786 668847 or [email protected]
- Amy Caldwell, RNLI Regional Communications Lead, on 07920 818807 or [email protected]
- RNLI Duty Press Office on 01202 336789 or [email protected]
Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI charity 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 146,000 lives.
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