First shout for new helm as New Quay RNLI responds to beach emergency
On Friday 16 May at 6.30pm New Quay RNLI’s D-class inshore lifeboat launched on service to aid a person who had fallen and sustained a serious leg injury on Traethgwyn beach with a newly qualified volunteer helm leading the crew on his first service callout.
With four volunteer crew members on board, the lifeboat was helmed for the first time by Will Best (47), a professional sailor and owner of Diverse, who build and equip high-performance sailing vessels with cutting-edge marine electronics. Will had just completed his final assessment earlier that week.
“After many months of training, and a written exam, I sat the final assessment in the same week as the shout,” said Will, who is also this year's New Quay Yacht Club's Commodore. “When the pager sounded, the adrenaline started pumping but all the training took over and everything went like clockwork.
“We provided casualty care until paramedics arrived and then the casualty was transferred into the care of the ambulance service, with the assistance New Quay HM Coastguard.
“We would like to thank members of staff from Quay West Haven Holiday Park and to a member of the public for their help. We wish the casualty a full and speedy recovery.
“It was great to get my first shout as helm under my belt and I want to thank my family and all the crew for their support over the months of training.
“Remember, if you are in trouble on the coast or at sea, or if you see someone else in difficulty, call 999 and ask for Coastguard. We are the charity that saves lives at sea and are on call 24 hours, 7 days per week.”
RNLI media contacts
For more information, please contact Kate Williams, New Quay RNLI Lifeboat Press Officer on [email protected].
Alternatively you can contact Claire Fitzpatrick-Smith, Regional Communications Manager on [email protected] or 07977 728 315.
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.