New Lifeboat Operations Manager appointed at Bridlington RNLI

On 14 May Bridlington RNLI said a huge thank you to the current Lifeboat Operations Manager (LOM), Steve Clarke. Steve, who, after coming to the end of his three-year tenure, has decided not to take up the opportunity to continue for another term in the hot seat. He will be continuing as a volunteer at the station in his capacity as one of the station’s Launch Authority.

The charity dedicated to saving lives at sea has appointed Jake Bennett as the new volunteer Lifeboat Operations Manager (LOM) at Bridlington RNLI Lifeboat Station.

The Lifeboat Operations Manager is responsible for overseeing the station’s daily operations, maintaining constant readiness, authorising lifeboat launches, and supporting the team of volunteers who play a crucial role in keeping the lifeboat service running. The role of LOM helps us save lives at sea by carrying out the day-to-day management of the lifeboat station to ensure a permanent state of readiness for service. The role also includes the following, to name a few: -

· Leading the operations team in managing the station personnel and its volunteers.

· Ensuring regular meetings are held with the operations team and encourage open communication

· Ensuring all operational activities are carried out to maintain the lifeboat and all associated equipment in a constant state of readiness for launching on service

Steve Clarke said, ‘As I step down as the Lifeboat Operations Manager at Bridlington Lifeboat Station, I feel immense pride, gratitude, and a deep connection to my team. The RNLI’s core purpose guides everything we do, from training sessions to emergency response. I have been privileged to stand alongside our dedicated volunteers and crew, who consistently demonstrate courage, commitment, and selflessness.

We have faced many challenges together. Giving back to the Bridlington community through the RNLI has been incredibly fulfilling. I have cherished every part of this journey, and I carry memories, lessons, and friendships that will last a lifetime. It has been an honour. All the very best to my successor Jake.

Jake began volunteering with Bridlington as a Launch Authority and serves as an ILB crew member and launch vehicle driver. Outside of the station, Jake runs a data business and works as a swim instructor and beach lifeguard, as well as lifeguarding nearby pools. His wide-ranging experience and strong commitment to water safety make him a good choice for this leadership role.

Jake added, ‘I am incredibly proud to take on the role of Lifeboat Operations Manager at Bridlington RNLI. It is a privilege to work alongside such a dedicated and skilled team. From the crew volunteers to our fundraisers and shop team, everyone contributes to keeping our station ready to respond. I look forward to building on the fantastic work already being done and continuing the RNLI’s mission to save lives at sea’.

Volunteer Bridlington RNLI President, Richard Dunk, stated ‘Steve is the 6th Operations Manager I have had the privilege of knowing and working alongside; with it I have experienced and watched over the many years the changing face of the RNLI and in particular at our Station here in Bridlington and Steve has continued the good work of his predecessors.

Change is constant and is inevitable and Steve is the first one to recognise this, if we don’t move with the times then we go backwards and the feature of Steve’s tenure as Operations Manager has been to manage and progress the changes required to move the Station Forward; this has created and maintained the successful Station that we are’.

All the volunteers at Bridlington RNLI wish Steve all the best and it will be great to still have Steve in a volunteer role, and we are all looking forward to working with Jake.

Note to editors.

Any requests for interviews must be directed through the contact details shown below.

RNLI Media contacts

For more information, please contact Mike Milner, RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer: [email protected] or call:07751-054052.

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.