New Lifeboat Operations Manager for RNLI Portishead
After more than 22 years of dedicated volunteering, Neil Sutor has been appointed as the new Lifeboat Operations Manager at Portishead RNLI.
In 2023, Neil received his 20 year medal in recognition of his long service to volunteering. The following summer, he and his wife Debbie had the honour of attending the Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace to celebrate the charity’s 200th anniversary. During the event, they were honoured and privileged to meet Her Royal Highness, The Princess Royal.
Simon Chapman, Station Chair, said ‘I’m delighted to announce and extend my congratulations to Neil Sutor on his appointment as our new Lifeboat Operations Manager (LOM) at Portishead Lifeboat Station. Neil has served at the Lifeboat Station for many years and has consistently brought energy and commitment to the different responsibilities he has held over his volunteering time.
We have every confidence that Neil will approach his new role of LOM with dedication as he continues to build on the strong foundations of those who have held this responsibility before him. As Neil is formally appointed as our LOM by the RNLI, we also recognise with gratitude the huge amount of time and personal energy that Dave Slack brought to the role over the years he served as our previous Lifeboat Operations Manager.’
If you're heading out to sea this summer, don't forget to download the RNLI's essential boating checklists to keep you safe on the water. Visit RNLI.org/boostskills.
Notes to editors – All images ©RNLIPortishead unless stated
· Neil Sutor - ©NathanWilliams/RNLI
· Neil receiving his 20 year medal for service to volunteering in October 2023
· Neil (central) and his wife Debbie met HRH the Princess Royal at Buckingham Palace alongside Dave Slack who has recently retired from LOM and his wife Helen.
· Neil (3 from left) with other volunteers from the Portishead lifeboat station attending the service of remembrance at Westminster Abbey in 2024, celebrating 200 years of the charity.
RNLI media contacts
For more information please contact Helen Lazenby, volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer, on 07800 595995, [email protected] or the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.
RNLI online
For more information, please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the RNLI News Centre.
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 over 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and, in a normal year, 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 143,080 lives.
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.
Learn more about the RNLI
For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, X, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.
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.