First female Lifeboat Operations Manager for Tynemouth RNLI

Sheridan Bowler has been successful in the recent recruitment drive for a new station Lifeboat Operations manager, becoming the first female in the station's history to hold the post.

Sheridan previously held roles as crew on inshore and all-weather lifeboats, as well as Lifeboat training coordinator for the station making her well suited to take on the role.

The Lifeboat Operations Manager is a key role for the station, overseeing the operations team which consists of boats officers and launch authorities, along with responsibility for the crew at station.

Sheridan commented: 'It’s been a huge learning curve for me moving from crew to the LOM within Tynemouth RNLI, but I am up for the challenge.'

'I’m grateful to all the crew for their support. I'm looking forward to working alongside them all to continue striving forward and being the best we can to save life at sea as one crew.'

'We have a slowly increasing number of female volunteers on station, I’m hoping seeing a female in the LOM position for the first time in Tynemouth's history will help to inspire the next generation of lifesavers, allowing us to better represent the community in which we serve.'

Doug Nicholson served as station LOM for over four years, taking over the role in 2021 before retiring in April this year. Everyone at Tynemouth RNLI wishes him the best in his retirement.

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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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