Tenby

RESCUEE RETURNS WITH THANKS

James Probert says he ‘simply would not be here’ if not for the quick and professional response of his rescuers. The 58-year-old father of four collapsed in a car park in June after suffering a major cardiac arrest. Alerted to the situation by a member of the public, RNLI lifeguards found James face down, unconscious and not breathing. Lifeguards George Stottor, Angus Wyatt, Katie Sutton and Kirk Lester immediately began CPR, but it would be 10–15 minutes before James’s heart restarted and he began breathing again.
James and his family met with his rescuers in November to thank them and deliver a kind donation of £258 from family and friends. ‘Without them I would be dead,’ he says. ‘I want to thank every one of the team who helped me – it shows just how valuable the RNLI lifeguards are.’ Daughter Louise says: ‘You normally think of lifeguards rescuing people out of the sea or caring for people on beaches, but these
lifeguards actually raced from the beach in the opposite direction to save my dad. We owe them everything and we cannot thank them enough.’

ALL CHANGE AT LLANDUDNO

Llandudno crew have moved into a new boathouse and welcomed a Shannon class lifeboat, William F Yates. A month after arriving on station, she completed her first rescue mission. But, unusually for a brand new lifeboat, this wasn't her first ever rescue. She'd already completed three rescues in the south of England and while off the Anglesey coastline on her passage to the station.
The William F Yates is the first Shannon to go on service in Wales. The Mersey class Andy Pearce now serves in the RNLI relief fleet.

Barmouth

TEACHER GETS A HOSE DOWN!

In November, children from Short Wood Primary School, Shropshire, paid a visit to Barmouth Lifeboat Station, where they delivered a cheque for £80, raised through a bake sale. The children were given a tour of the lifeboats, then tried on the kit before hosing down their kitted-up teacher on the slip outside with the help of the crew. We’re not sure who had more fun: crew or kids!

Colwyn Bay
SUPERMARKET SWEEP

In January generous pupils at Rydal Penrhos School took part in a special fundraising initiative in
aid of the RNLI. Volunteers from the school participated in their annual bag packing fundraising drive at Morrisons, Colwyn Bay. Staff and pupils took separate shifts during the day-long event, where
they helped customers with their groceries in exchange for a small donation to help save lives at sea.
Thanks to their great work, a total of £820.28 was raised. Deputy Head Tim Cashell says: ‘We are very proud of our association with the RNLI, who provide a superb and critical service along our coastlines. I would like to thank all those who donated to our fundraising drive, which was once again a huge success and something those involved

WHAT’S ON
Details might have changed since going to print, so please check in advance to avoid disappointment. To find out what else is on near you, see RNLI.org/events.
SOS RADIO WEEK
1–31 May
An opportunity to raise money and celebrate the work of the RNLI. Open to any licensed amateur radio operator or club based in the UK, Ireland, Channel Islands and Isle of Man. Find out more or register your callsign at sosradioweek.org.uk.
FISHGUARD FOLK FESTIVAL
Friday 25–Monday 28 May
Fishguard, Pembrokeshire Four days of concerts, ceilidhs, workshops, singarounds, family events and more in an historical and picturesque town on the beautiful Pembrokeshire coast.
DUCK LIFEBOAT RACE
Monday 28 May, from 12 noon
Dyserth Waterfalls, North Wales A family event for the spring bank holiday at
The beautiful Dyserth Waterfalls. Join in the fun as the duck lifeboats take to the rapids in a race to the finish! Find out more from
facebook.com/rnliduckboatrace.
CARDIFF SAIL DAY
Friday 22 June
Breakfast in Cardiff Bay, followed by a sail along the Bristol Channel and a buffet, auction and prizes in Cardiff Bay Yacht Club on return to dry land. Ideal for a day out with friends and colleagues of all sailing levels. Find out more and book your place by emailing [email protected].

Send details of your events for the summer issue (mid-July onwards) to [email protected].