Triple pass out success for New Brighton RNLI!
New Brighton RNLI had every reason to celebrate this week, as three separate pass outs were completed by two of their crew, all in a single day’s training.
On Wednesday 11 June, New Brighton’s volunteer crew headed to station for a long day of training and assessments across various operational roles. Jack Billinge and Paul Lees were the crew members being put through their paces.
Jack was first put through his tractor driver assessment, covering all aspects of safely transiting to the launch site and launching the lifeboat. This assessment included a practical and theoretical element, with Jack excelling in all areas. Once this was completed, Jack went on to be assessed as a Head Launcher. Head Launchers are a new necessary role for inshore lifeboat stations, and are responsible for all operations shoreside, from directing the launch vehicle to leave the boathouse to managing shore crew and traffic management en route to launching.
Once these were completed, Paul’s knowledge was tested as he was assessed as a Launch Authority. Launch Authorities are a crucial part of keeping volunteer crews safe at sea, assessing conditions and keeping detailed logs of taskings, whilst maintaining lines of communication with the boat when it is out saving lives at sea. The RNLI Assessor was satisfied that Paul had met the criteria, and so New Brighton gained another valuable Launch Authority.
Paul’s new role is the latest development in Paul’s RNLI career. Beginning as a trainee tractor driver, Paul went on to become boat crew as well and served for many years in this dual role. His passing out as Launch Authority marks an end to his time on the boat.
Lee Arnall, LOM at New Brighton RNLI, said:
‘A huge congratulations to both Jack and Paul on their incredible achievements! For Paul, this marks the beginning of a new chapter in his RNLI journey, and the closing of another. We are incredibly grateful for everything Paul has contributed as boat crew over the years.
Jack’s progress is fantastic news, and the result of his continued hard work, time, energy, commitment and support of fellow crew. In their new roles both Jack and Paul will be crucial assets to the station as we continue in our goal to save lives at sea.’
Notes to Editors:
New Brighton RNLI was established in 1863 in the bustling seaside resort of New Brighton, on the northeast corner of the Wirral peninsula. They cover the River Mersey and out into the Irish Sea.
The station is home to a B-class Atlantic 85 lifeboat, one of the fastest in the RNLI fleet. The crews at New Brighton have been presented with a remarkable 48 awards for gallantry to date.
RNLI Media Contacts:
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New Brighton RNLI
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Danielle Rush
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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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