Lymington’s RNLI volunteer awarded MBE

We are thrilled to announce that Nick Hayward has been honoured with a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE). Volunteer Nick Hayward has been recognised for 44 years of unwavering commitment to the Lymington RNLI.

Nick said: ‘When the letter arrived from the Cabinet Office, I had to read it several times before it sank in. I’m still reading it to make sure it’s correct. I don’t think I could have been more elated and humbled at the same time. It would not have been possible without my family, friends and all at Lymington Lifeboat Station who have supported me over the last 44 years. Being part of the RNLI family is a privilege.’

Born and bred in Lymington, Nick Hayward has volunteered for the RNLI as lifeboat crew and a key member of the local RNLI Lifeboat Station for 44 years. He joined the Lymington Lifeboat crew aged 18 in July 1981 and it wasn’t long before his boat-handling, common-sense and leadership was recognised with his appointment as a Helm (in command of the Lifeboat) in 1984. Throughout his time with the RNLI, Nick has led through example and inspired and trained many other members of the crew.

In 1995, Nick took on the vital role of station mechanic in addition to being a key member of the crew. This is a role he continues to this day, always ensuring that the lifeboat, launch vehicle and equipment are maintained to the highest possible standard and ready at a moment’s notice.

In July 2011 Nick reached the age limit set by the RNLI for Inshore Lifeboat crew but this did not reduce Nick’s commitment to the RNLI, far from it as he became a Deputy Launch Authority (DLA) in addition to his mechanic role. A DLA provides the critical link between the Coastguard and lifeboat and making the decision on whether it is safe to launch in the prevailing conditions and ensuring that the boat crew is properly briefed and constituted.

Nick’s workload further increased when he was ’persuaded’ to take the role of Lifeboat Operations Manager in 2013 after the retirement of his predecessor. He continued in this role for almost 10 years, alongside the roles of DLA and mechanic, an enormous workload as a volunteer for a family man who also had his own business to run.

As a crew member and helm, Nick was involved in many dramatic and challenging rescues, the most notable of which was the rescue of yacht ‘Piciess’ on the afternoon of September 9th 2002. ‘Piciess’ was reported dis-masted and drifting about one and a half miles north-east of Newtown Creek; her engine had failed, and she lay helpless and in danger of sinking in the very rough seas. The Lymington Inshore Lifeboat was launched with Nick Hayward at the helm with 3 other crew members on board into appalling weather with very poor visibility, torrential rain, a continuous gale force 8 gusting 9 wind (50 mph) and 10 feet high breaking waves. In a dramatic rescue, Nick and his crew were able to establish a tow and take the stricken vessel to safety at Cowes. For his seamanship, boat handling and leadership, Nick Hayward was awarded the ‘Thanks of the Institution inscribed on Vellum’. This is still the second highest gallantry award ever received by a member of the Lymington crew since the station was opened in 1965.

Steve Billett the Lymington’s Lifeboat Chairman said; “What Nick has and continues to achieve is a shining example of what volunteering and commitment to the community really means and Nick would be the first to say he does not seek reward or recognition but he more than deserves our thanks and our recognition for what he is and what he has done.”

Nick continues to volunteer as the station’s mechanic and Launch Authority and is the first to recognise that his 44 years of service would not have been possible without the support of his wife Rachel and their daughters Angharad and Erin.

RNLI Chief Executive Peter Sparkes said: ‘The commitment and dedication of our people never ceases to amaze me, and these individuals are no exception. I am so pleased to see this national recognition right across the RNLI from the frontline delivery of our lifesaving services to our shops and fundraising groups.

Everyone at the RNLI is a lifesaver and we couldn’t do what we do without the sum of their parts. This includes the families, friends and employers who support them behind the scenes, enabling our people to give their time to support our mission.

My congratulations to these worthy recipients and my sincere thanks to the thousands of others who continue to volunteer their time to saving lives at sea.’

Hatti Mellor, Regional Media Officer, SE and London . M:07724801305

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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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