The lifeboat is crewed by a team of 4 when it puts to sea. The helmsman drives the boat and is in command of all aspects of its operation. Behind the helmsman sits the navigator, who assists the helmsman in reaching the casualty location, and is also responsible for maintaining the often busy radio communications with the Boathouse, Coastguard teams, Helicopter, other Lifeboats, and the casualty. The remaining 2 crew assist in the rescue as directed by the Helmsman undertaking a wide range of tasks from swimming ashore to administer emergency First Aid, to anchoring the lifeboat and rigging tows to stricken vessels.
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Guy Bennett Coxswain Tractor Driver Landscaper |
Brought up in Sidmouth, joining the crew in 2010 and have always had a passion for the sea, fishing and surfing etc… My Business as a landscaper enables me to respond when required, I recently completed a degree in Ocean Science for which I received First Class honours. |
Guy Russell Helmsman Tractor Driver Gardener / Owner at |
I have lived in Sidmouth all of my life, joining the crew in 2010 and am extremely passionate about the sea. I have worked as a Lifeguard for many years and spent the vast majority of my life surfing! I run a Business on Sidmouth Beach during the Summer, Jurassic Paddle Sports. | |
Simon Priestley Helmsman Jubilee Medal, 2012 Telecoms/I.T Project Manager |
Joined Sidmouth Lifeboat in 2005. “I moved to Sidmouth from Yorkshire in 2004. One of the objectives when I moved here was to get involved with the community. I saw an advert in the Sidmouth Herald requesting volunteers to help with manning the Lifeboat Shop and decided to pop down and see what it was all about. Having chatted to a few of the volunteers I was persuaded to train as boat crew instead!” |
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Ian Fletcher Helmsman Tractor Driver HelmsmanInformation Assurance Manager, D&C Police.PR & Media Officer |
Left the Royal Navy in April 2014 – joining Sidmouth Lifeboat in May 2014 to try and maintain my nautical skills! It’s a great organisation to work for and is really friendly and professional. If not busy with the Lifeboat, I’m busy running the 1st Sid Vale Cub pack! |
Tony Martin Trainee Helmsman/ Senior Crew Podiatrist |
Joined the Lifeboat in 2015. I live and work in the town and enjoy all activities involving the sea. | |
Jim Brewster Trainee Helmsman/ Senior Crew Lead Software Engineer |
Joined Sidmouth Lifeboat in 2016. I love the sea and wanted to get more involved in the community. I windsurf as much as possible and can occasionally be seen off the seafront. |
Martin Barnard Trainee Helmsman/ Senior Crew |
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Dave Pearce Senior Crew |
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Kyle Baker Senior Crew |
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Graham Trude Senior Crew Tractor Driver |
I have worked in Sidmouth as a gardener and tree surgeon for the past 10 years, and I decided to join the lifeboat service in June 2017. Sidmouth lifeboat is always looking for crew that are available to be on call during work hours, and as I am able to respond throughout the working week I felt I could offer my time. Since joining I have learnt many new skills and made some great friends. The camaraderie at the station is fantastic and I’m so glad I have joined. | |
Katrina McIlveen Crew Phil Marish |
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Maddie Todd Crew |
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Charli Ferrand Crew |
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Cameron Baker Crew |
I’ve grown up around Sidmouth and love being beside the sea! I joined the lifeboat in March 2016 as shore crew and then progressed onto boat crew. In my spare time you will find me at the sailing club on the safety boats. So far I’ve enjoyed every minute at Sidmouth lifeboat and wouldn’t change it! |
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Ed Birch Trainee Crew Joe Thompson Toby Hoggarth Mark Davies Emma Douglas Ben Lemaitre |