RNLI chief on board with Dart volunteers
Dart RNLI volunteers were delighted to welcome Leanna Lakes, the charity's Chief Operating Officer and Director of Regions, during a recent visit.
Leanna was taken on a tour of the station, and then teamed up with some of the crew for a training exercise on the Dart aboard the B Class Atlantic.
The master mariner, with more than 25 years’ experience in the industry at both national and international level, joined the RNLI this spring.
She said: 'During my first three months I have visited a small number of stations and lifeguarded beaches in each region to learn the organisation and begin to understand where I can add the most value.
'As part of this induction, I spent time with the volunteers at Dart and received such a warm welcome. The opportunity to go afloat with the crew was one I didn’t want to miss. The entire team were so generous with their time, knowledge and expertise making it such an insightful visit.
'I was lucky enough to shown around the new station which is still under construction and to enjoy the visitors centre.
'I would like to thank all those I met for the part they play in delivering our lifesaving service and I look forward to returning soon to see the new station and the D Class launch from Ferry View.'
RNLI media contacts
For more information please contact Dominic Hart, Dart RNLI press officer, on 07767 764 144 or the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789 or at [email protected].
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.
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.