Joel James MS paid a visit to Penarth RNLI Lifeboat Station on Friday 3rd of February, to discuss the work they do and to gain a better understanding of how these volunteers protect Welsh lives at sea.
The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) is a charity that helps lives at sea and protects hundreds of communities around the UK and Ireland through a 24-hour search and rescue service.
On his visit, Joel met with Laurie Pavelin – Chairman of Penarth RNLI Lifeboat Station, where he was taken on a tour of the facility and shown the several types of vessels at the station. They have 2 inshore lifeboats and a B-class Atlantic 85, costing approximately £300,000 per vessel. Laurie was pleased to show Joel that the station also has a D-class Atlantic.
In conversation with Laurie, Joel was keen to find out some of the recent events that the station and its volunteers have responded to. This has included; helping a paddleboarder that got carried away into the channel, searching for individuals reported missing and coming to the assistance of boats that suffered from engine failure. However, Laurie also expressed their difficulties in maintaining equipment due to their reliance on public donations for funding.
During his visit, Joel said:
“I was delighted to meet with Laurie Pavelin. Volunteers such as Laurie, and the crewmen and women who risk their lives do a brilliant job of keeping us safe on the water.
The volunteers here respond to a wide variety of calls and events, highlighting the value they provide to coastal communities and individuals.
I will do all I can to raise awareness of the incredible work that the RNLI do across Wales and the importance of funding. Public donations are vital for the charity’s survival.”
If you see someone in difficulty or require the assistance of the RNLI, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard. Donations can be made on their website
