Earlier this year, Hoylake launch volunteer Tracy Davies – pictured on the front page – became the first woman to qualify as an operator of the Shannon class lifeboat’s launch and recovery vehicle. Now she’s on call, ready to send the volunteer crew to sea and save lives.

People like Tracy and their launch equipment are sometimes overlooked. But without them, our rescuers can’t get to sea in the first place – see page 26 for more on the force behind the launches. In this issue you can also read how Tracy’s fellow Hoylake volunteers teamed up with crew members and lifeguards at West Kirby to go to the aid of a casualty in serious danger (p10). Our other rescue stories include words of gratitude from a woman saved from drowning (p16) and the family of a man resuscitated with the help of our lifeguards, who said: ‘You have given a 3-year-old her daddy back’ (p14). All these lifesaving rescues are powered by people’s time, skills, actions and support.

Thank you for yours!

Editor:
Rory Stamp
@LifeboatRory

GALLANTRY MEDAL ANNOUNCED

As we were finalising this magazine the RNLI’s Trustees announced that Scarborough Helm Rudi Barman will receive a Bronze Medal for Gallantry. Rudi is receiving the award for his courage, skill and leadership during a launch to a dog walker, who was being washed against a sea wall. In breaking waves, a near gale and darkness, Rudi and his fellow volunteers got the casualty, Andrew McGeown, ashore and he was given CPR. Tragically, despite their best efforts, Andrew did not survive. We’ll feature a full report of the service in the next issue.