A recent assessment day saw volunteers successfully complete their training to operate the vehicles that launch Penarth’s lifeboats.   

RNLI volunteer Simon Shirley passed out on both the station’s Talus MB-4H amphibious tractor as well as the New Holland tractor, while Cliff Taylor passed out on the New Holland tractor.  

Tractor drivers play a vital role at the station: RNLI Penarth’s lifesaving service cannot operate without these vehicles launching the boats, and the equipment must be maintained to a high standard at all times.   

Jason Dunlop, Lifeboat Operations Manager at RNLI Penarth Lifeboat Station, said: “Launch and recovery of lifeboat is a challenging task as our tractor drivers have to operate their vehicles in difficult and changeable circumstances on the beach and in the water.

“This training covers not only driving the equipment but how to debog and manoeuvre in very challenging conditions.”  

“We provide our drivers with the very best equipment and training to launch our lifeboats and save lives at sea.”