Exmouth RNLI volunteers were awarded a certificate of appreciation by the Budleigh Salterton Lions Club this week .
Its citation reads: “With thanks for your help and support of the local community during the Covid-19 pandemic.”
In presenting the award, President of the Budleigh Salterton Lions, Richard Allen, said: "On behalf of Budleigh Salterton Lions Club I was delighted to be able to present a Certificate of Appreciation to all the volunteers and staff of the Exmouth RNLI, especially as it is National Volunteers Week. The certificate is in recognition of their service, bravery and dedication to saving lives at sea and keeping people safe, particularly during the Covid pandemic.”
Richard added: “I am sure that I can speak on behalf of all the residents and visitors to Budleigh when I say a special thank you to the Exmouth RNLI for coming over to Budleigh on Christmas morning and ensuring that the swimmers all get out of the sea safely. We look forward to being able to collect on behalf of the RNLI next Christmas.”
Receiving the certificate on behalf of the RNLI volunteers, Exmouth RNLI Lifeboat operations manager Ian Taylor said: “It is a privilege for me to accept this certificate on behalf of all volunteers here at Exmouth RNLI lifeboat station. I am very grateful to the Budleigh Salterton Lions for their valued and continued support of our charity.”
Exmouth lifeboat station is situated on Queens Drive, near to Maer Rocks.
The current lifeboat station went operational on November 21, 2009. It was built using funds from a major appeal and a number of significant legacies, each of which are detailed on plaques in each room.
The lifeboat station houses Shannon Class All Weather Lifeboat (ALB) R and J Welburn, with its carriage and tractor – Shannon launch and recovery system (SLARS) – and a D Class Inshore Lifeboat (ILB) George Bearman II with its Tooltrak tractor and carriage.
The ramp is wide enough to allow both boats to be launched at the same time.
In June 2012, photovoltaic cell panels were fitted to the roof, providing power to contribute to the national grid which the charity benefits from in the way of reduced energy bill tariffs, therefore saving money.
The Exmouth lifeboat and shore crew consists of around 30 volunteers. All are volunteers and are from very different backgrounds. Some work for other emergency services while others are boat builders, sales executives and IT technicians. The minimum age to join a lifeboat crew is 17 (with parental consent) and the upper age has recently been extended for inshore lifeboats (ILB) and all-weather lifeboats (ALB), depending on fitness. For more information on becoming a Crew volunteer, please email LOM@exmouthlifeboat.org.uk