Montrose RNLI appoints Jen Crews as new volunteer Water Safety Officer

Jen relocated to Montrose in 2020 and joined the lifeboat crew soon after in October 2020. Since joining, Jen has demonstrated remarkable commitment to her position and qualified as Tier 2 crew for our inshore and all-weather lifeboats in August 2024. Jen will keep serving as lifeboat crew while also taking on her new role as volunteer water safety officer.

In her capacity as a water safety officer, Jen will be crucial at the lifeboat station, engaging in the creation and execution of the community lifesaving plan. Every year, volunteer lifeboat crews and lifeguards save hundreds of lives and assist thousands more. The RNLI Water Safety Team works to save lives by offering free education and water safety advice, helping people enjoy the water safely and preventing them from getting into dangerous situations.

Jen expressed, 'I’m really excited about this new challenge and can’t wait to dive into the role. Sadly, around 150 people accidentally lose their lives in UK and Irish waters each year, and half of those who drown never meant to enter the water. Through our water safety initiatives, we aim to lower fatalities and incidents in, on, and around the water.'

Derek Smart, Montrose RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager, stated, 'I'm thrilled that Jen is stepping into the additional volunteer role of Water Safety Officer. This position is essential for decreasing the number of incidents we deal with along our coastline. As a volunteer lifeboat crew member, Jen understands the risks of the water, which puts her in an excellent position to fulfil this role successfully. Thank you Jen, for your selfless volunteering and for taking on extra responsibilities to help keep our coastline safe.'

The water safety officer plays a key role, being involved in the design and execution of the water safety and lifesaving plan, working closely with the local lifeboat operations team, area lifesaving manager, and the water safety team. The water safety and lifesaving plan aims to identify "at risk" groups to minimise fatalities and serious incidents by collaborating with partners to create specifically targeted initiatives.

If you're interested in having Jen come to your organisation or school to give advice on everything related to water safety, please reach out to the station directly, and they'll handle all requests made.

Please join us in congratulating Jen and welcoming her into her new role.

Notes to editors

· Montrose lifeboat station has been operating since 1800. To learn more about the lifeboat station go to: Montrose Lifeboat Station - RNLI Lifeboat Stations

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Sally McKay, Lifeboat Press Officer, [email protected]

Natasha Rushby, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for Scotland, 07826 900639, [email protected]

Martin Macnamara, RNLI Regional Communications Lead for Scotland, 07920 365929, [email protected]

RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789

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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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