Two volunteers qualify as RNLI Shore Crew at Teignmouth Lifeboat Station
Teignmouth RNLI is pleased to announce that two volunteers have successfully completed their training and passed out as fully qualified shore crew.
Among them is Andy Lilburn, who already serves as the station’s Lifeboat Operations Manager (LOM) and is qualified as a Launch Authority. Andy chose to complete the shore crew training to further support the team and assist with all aspects of station operations.
The second volunteer, Sara Marshall joined as a volunteer in June 2024 and has followed the RNLI pathway from trainee to qualified shore crew, gaining vital skills to support the safe launch and recovery of the lifeboat during shouts and training exercises.
The final assessment for Andy and Sara covered both theory and practical tasks, testing knowledge of procedures, safety, communication, and teamwork. Shore crew play a crucial role in every launch, ensuring the lifeboat can launch effectively and safely to save lives at sea whenever the pager sounds.
Andy commented:
“Although I’ve been involved in launching lifeboats in the launch authority role, going through the formal shore crew training has allowed me to support the team in another role when needed to safely launch our lifeboat to those in need”.
Sara added “It feels great to have passed out as shore crew. The rest of the team have been really supportive, and I’ve learned so much from them. Everyone’s been so welcoming and helpful, I’m proud to be part of the crew and I'm looking forward to contributing to saving lives at sea”.
The successful completion of shore crew training reflects the ongoing commitment of Teignmouth RNLI volunteers to remain prepared and capable, both onshore and at sea.
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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