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Lindsay Rees makes history again at Pwllheli RNLI with Plant Operator pass out

Lifeboats News Release

Lindsay Rees has once again broken new ground at Pwllheli RNLI by successfully passing her assessment to become a Plant Operator for the SLARS (Shannon Launch and Recovery System).

Lindsay Rees shaking hands with RNLI assessor, standing in fromt of SLARs at Pwllheli lifeboat station

RNLI/Lindsay Rees

Lindsay Rees with RNLI trainer assessor

This significant achievement follows her historic milestone last year as Pwllheli’s first-ever female ToolTrack Vehicle Driver.

Earlier this year, Lindsay attended an intensive Plant Operator Driving course at the RNLI’s Training College in Poole, as part of the charity’s Women in SAR (Search and Rescue) initiative. Her latest qualification is a testament to her commitment to developing her skills in lifesaving operations and supporting her crew as a volunteer at Pwllheli Lifeboat Station.

Lindsay is now qualified to operate the SLARS, a critical piece of equipment used to launch and recover the station’s all-weather Shannon class lifeboat Smith Brothers, further strengthening the operational capability of the crew.

Speaking about her achievement, Lindsay Rees said:

‘I’m incredibly proud to be operating the SLARS and grateful for the support of an amazing crew at Pwllheli RNLI. Being a volunteer with the RNLI means constantly learning and stepping up to meet the needs of our lifesaving mission.

'The training I received in Poole was intense and inspiring, especially as part of the Women in SAR programme; I made lots of new friends there. It’s a privilege to play my part in saving lives at sea. I am also in training as the Water Safety Officer for Pwllheli RNLI, which is important in preventing people from getting into trouble in the water.’

The RNLI continues to champion inclusion and diversity across its volunteer crews, ensuring that every individual has the opportunity to develop their skills and contribute to the charity’s mission to save lives at sea.

-ENDS-

Notes to editors

Pwllheli lifeboat station has been operating since 1891. To learn more about the lifeboat station go to: https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeboat-stations/pwllheli-lifeboat-station


RNLI media contacts

For more information, please contact Caroline Jones, RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on [email protected] or 07753 397977.

Alternatively, you can contact Claire Fitzpatrick-Smith, Regional Communications Manager on [email protected] or 07977 728315, or contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.


SLARs in water driving out to recover Pwllheli all-weather lifeboat, Smith Brothers

RNLI/Dion Dobson

Lindsay Rees driving SLARs to recover Pwllheli all-weather lifeboat

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.

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