Plymouth RNLI: Coxswain Farewell

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Post on Jan 23, 2025

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Plymouth RNLI: A Coxswain's Farewell - The End of an Era

So, it's finally happened. After what feels like a lifetime – and honestly, maybe was a lifetime – Coxswain Dave "The Wave" Davies has retired from the Plymouth RNLI. Man, it's weird. I've known Dave since… well, since I was knee-high to a grasshopper, practically. He's been a fixture at the station, a legend, a total rockstar in the lifeboat world. Seriously, the guy’s a hero. And now, he's gone.

It's kinda bittersweet, you know? Lots of happy memories, of course – daring rescues, crazy storms, those times we almost lost the Severn, and that one time we got stuck in the mud... that one was epic for all the wrong reasons. We were there for hours, stuck, utterly humiliated... and it was my fault for not checking the tide chart. Oops. Lesson learned: always check the tide chart. I mean, seriously, always. It saved me from a similar situation 6 months later.

The Man, the Myth, the Legend: Coxswain Davies

Dave wasn't just any coxswain; he was the coxswain. He had this incredible ability to read the sea, to anticipate dangers, this crazy sixth sense for impending doom - and then to handle it with a calm that bordered on supernatural. I swear, the man could navigate a lifeboat through a hurricane blindfolded. Maybe I'm exaggerating a bit, but you get the point. He was amazing.

He also had this incredible knack for mentoring. He taught me everything I know, honestly. From basic knot-tying (which took me longer than I care to admit) to handling a lifeboat in 20-foot waves. The guy is a fountain of knowledge, full of funny sea shanty anecdotes. We spent countless hours on the boat talking about stuff, training, and getting to know each other. The guy knew more than just about sea rescues, he knew about everything and anything.

Beyond the Rescues: The Human Side

But beyond the dramatic rescues (and there were many dramatic rescues), Dave was just a really good guy. He was always there for you, whether you needed advice on engine maintenance or just a shoulder to cry on. He was a calming presence, especially during those intense rescue situations. He always knew how to motivate us. There was something about him, a strength of character that inspired respect.

Saying Goodbye and Looking Ahead

His retirement ceremony was… emotional. I choked up, which isn't exactly normal for me. Seeing the faces of everyone there, from the volunteers to the station crew to the family and friends. It brought so many fond memories. Everyone there was emotional and full of gratitude for Dave's exceptional service and the huge difference he made to people's lives. The Plymouth RNLI won't be the same without him.

The thing is, though, this isn't just about Dave. It's about the legacy he's leaving behind. It's about the countless lives he's saved, the skills he's passed on, the example of courage and compassion he's set. We're all going to do our best to keep that legacy alive. We've got a new coxswain, and I'm proud of their bravery and the fact that they're so prepared to step into such huge shoes.

This transition highlights the importance of RNLI volunteer training. It's rigorous, demanding, and utterly essential. If you're thinking about volunteering, know this – you’ll learn so much and become part of something incredibly special. But be prepared, you'll be learning constantly, for your entire career.

So, cheers to you, Dave "The Wave" Davies. Fair winds and following seas. You’ll be missed. You'll always be remembered for your bravery, your skill, and your unwavering dedication to saving lives.