New Recruits Qualify To Save Lives At Sea With Cowes RNLI Station

January brings new beginnings, and for five Cowes locals, this means starting their time as fully qualified shore crew at Cowes RNLI Station.

Kris, Simon, Cherie, Andrew and Jay have spent the last few months undertaking their training and are now fully qualified to respond to both exercises and shouts.

Shore crew prepare the boat for launch and are essential to the crew's safety and ability to conduct rescues.

Once they pass their shore crew assessment, they are on call and ready to respond to their pager when needed.

Fully qualified shore crew are also eligible to be considered for a position on the lifeboat’s afloat crew, if and when vacancies arise.

Cherie Whiteley, 58, passed her shore crew assessment with Cowes RNLI Station this month.

Cherie said:

“As someone who spends a lot of time on the water, I’ve seen first hand the amazing work done by the RNLI and I really wanted to give something back to this invaluable organisation.

"The last few months of training have been demanding but very fulfilling, and I look forward to responding to my first shout as a fully qualified member of the shore crew.”

A second cohort of volunteer shore crew will now begin their training, hoping to qualify soon.

John Mason, who has trained new recruits at Cowes RNLI station since 2016, said:

“Training is a vital part of what we do, ensuring we are always ready to save lives at sea, and I am always impressed by the level of professionalism exhibited by our volunteer crew.

"I am very proud of our newly qualified shore crew, and I am sure our new recruits will show the same level of professionalism and dedication.”