RNLI volunteers from New Brighton and RNLI lifeguard awarded Merseyside Police Chief Constable’s commendation

RNLI volunteers from New Brighton and an RNLI lifeguard have been awarded a Merseyside Police Chief Constable’s commendation. The award is in recognition of their actions during a tragic incident in 2020.

New Brighton RNLI lifeboat - Charles Dibdin (Civil Service 51) was launched at the upper limits of its capability in treacherous conditions following reports of two people and a dog in trouble.

An RNLI lifeguard was pounded by waves as he navigated rocks to offer assistance and helm of the New Brighton inshore lifeboat had to carefully manoeuvre the lifeboat to avoid injuring the casualty in the water or capsizing themselves.

The lifeboat crew were able to reach one of the casualties and the dog and pull them aboard the lifeboat. Sadly, one lady lost her life.

The commendation is awarded to RNLI helm, Michael Stannard, crew members Oz Ramsey, Emily Craven and Thomas McGinn along with RNLI lifeguard senior Lifeguard Cameron Jacobie.

The presentation took place at Aintree Racecourse on Thursday January 19th 2023. The event was attended by Niall, who was rescued by the lifeboat and partner Coral. It was the first time they had come face to face with the crew since the rescue.

Read the full story on the RNLI website. Photo credit Connor Wray