Aberystwyth RNLI: community engagement, graduations and saving lives at sea

Aberystwyth RNLI lifeboat volunteers were busy both at sea and on shore, saving lives and supporting the local community during a busy summer spell. The lifeboat crew were involved in three shouts over 4 days with the third launch, on Saturday 12 July, being a beach launch due to the state of the tide at the time of the page.

Being the hottest day on record for Wales so far this year, many members of the public were enjoying the beach, unknowingly in the path of the lifeboat launch. Thankfully with assistance from the on-duty RNLI lifeguards and cooperation of the public, the lifeboat was able to launch onto the water safely and efficiently.

After the launch Paul McCann, Head Launcher and Tractor Driver at the station, said:

‘We were incredibly grateful for the fast acting RNLI lifeguards who were able to help us clear the beach for the lifeboat launch. Thanks to their help we got the lifeboat on the water in record time. Thanks also to all those enjoying the beach who were happy to move and allow us to do our job safely.’

The crew were subsequently stood down after the call for help turned out to be a false alarm with good intent.

The following day on Sunday 13 July, the station was invited to Aberystwyth Holy Trinity Church for Sea Sunday, remembering and celebrating seafarers and fishers, alongside representatives from the Merchant Navy and Sea Cadets. Former station Mechanic Rhodri Lewis, and Lifeboat Operations Manager Geraint Wheeler both spoke at the event, representing the organisation before the congregation. With 20 station volunteers in attendance, it also gave an excellent opportunity for members of the public to engage with the crew and find out more about the work of the RNLI.

During the week that followed (from Monday 14 July), three of Aberystwyth’s volunteer crew graduated from Aberystwyth University. Lifeboat Crew Members Tom and Will, as well as station Press Officer Billy, all crossed the stage at the Great Hall each achieving a 2:1 in Geography, International Politics and Computer Science respectively. The crew made sure to add the lifeboat station to their celebratory photo locations.

One of the newly graduated crew, Will Goodall said:

‘I joined the RNLI during my second year of university and I have been incredibly grateful for the community and experiences it has brought me. I’ve really enjoyed my time in Aberystwyth and the RNLI has played a primary part in why I’ve chosen to stay and work here.’

Notes to editors

• Image credits: RNLI/Billy Swanson
• Aberystwyth lifeboat station has been operating since 1861. To learn more about the lifeboat station go to: rnli.org/Aberystwyth

RNLI media contacts
For more information contact Billy Swanson, RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on [email protected].

Alternatively you can contact Claire Fitzpatrick-Smith, Regional Communications Manager on 07977 728315 or [email protected], or the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.

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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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.