Dave Slack retires after 22 remarkable years of lifesaving service
After more than two decades of dedication, Dave Slack, Lifeboat Operations Manager at RNLI Portishead, is retiring to spend more time focusing on his family and health. As he passes the mantle of leadership, we celebrate a remarkable career built on courage, commitment, and community spirit.
Dave has proudly served the community in the Bristol Channel for 22 years, 14 of those as part of the sea-going crew when Portishead Lifeboat operated as an independent charity, The Portishead Lifeboat Trust. When the station joined the RNLI charity 10 years ago, Dave's dedication never wavered. Following a serious operation that prevented him from continuing on the water, he stepped up as Lifeboat Operations Manager, taking over from Bob Crane shortly after the RNLI adoption.
With his deep understanding of the Bristol Channel and years of hands-on experience, Dave led the station with dependability, selflessness, trustworthiness and courage, embodying every one of the RNLI’s core values.
Over the past 8 years in this role, he has guided and supported the volunteer team through countless challenges and rescues. Reflecting on Dave’s contribution, Tom Mansell, RNLI Regional Operations Lead, said: ‘I would like to thank Dave for all he has done at RNLI Portishead. His long association as volunteer crew, helm and latterly the Lifeboat Operations Manager has seen the station grow to become one of the finest and is something he should be rightly proud of. We wish him well as he steps down. Thank you.’
Among his many memories, a particular highlight came in 2024, when Dave and his wife Helen were honoured guests at a Service of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey, followed by a Garden Party at Buckingham Palace to mark the RNLI’s 200th anniversary.
Under Dave’s leadership, the crew launched their Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat 325 times, aided 262 people in distress, saved 12 dogs, and most profoundly, saved 12 lives. These are not just numbers; they represent people who are alive today because of Dave’s commitment and the dedication of the Portishead volunteer crew.
Dave’s wealth of knowledge, and genuine care for his crew family will be deeply missed. The volunteer team extends their heartfelt thanks and wishes him a happy, healthy, and well-deserved retirement, and promise to keep their wellies clean in his honour!
Notes to editors – Images ©RNLIPortishead unless stated individually
· Dave Slack – Lifeboat Operations Manager outside the RNLI lifeboat station in Portishead
· Dave at a garden party for the RNLI’s 200th Anniversary, Buckingham Palace in May 2024
· Dave Slack – turned up for a shout from a party, always on call
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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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