Penarth lifeboat station’s team of volunteers has a brand new manager who will lead the shore based and sea-going crew, and ensure the smooth and safe running of the Wales’ fifth busiest lifeboat station.
40 year old Phil Dutfield took up his role as Penarth RNLI’s Lifeboat Operations Manager just over a month ago, having been a volunteer with the Penarth RNLI for 22 years.
He joined the charity as a teenager via the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme, and since then has been a sea going member of the operational crew, both as a crew member and a helmsman. He also spent several years as Penarth lifeboat station treasurer.
Phil is part of a large team of Penarth volunteers – ranging from fundraisers, shore crew, seagoing personnel and management – who give their time and commitment to the RNLI with the ultimate goal of saving lives at sea. All volunteers have their own ‘day jobs’ and Phil’s is a twenty year career with South Wales Police, currently working on the Police helicopter.
“In the new role I hope my 22 years experience as a crew member and helmsman will only enhance and support the previous good work which has already been established by previous Lifeboat Operation Managers – most recently Philip Lay who held the role for 5 years – and existing crew members” said Phil.
“I foresee that I can contribute to ensure the smooth running of this busy station which is recognised throughout Wales as one of the best for its commitment, performance and training. The lifeboat crew is a team, regardless of whether we go afloat or not, and we all gain a tremendous sense of achievement and satisfaction from helping to save life at sea”, he added.
He continued:
“The RNLI is very much aware of its role within the community in Penarth, and we are all proud to be part of this charity. Because we are funded entirely by charitable donations, we rely on the support of the public, and over the past years, I’ve been constantly amazed at the generosity of the members of the public”.
Phil is married to school teacher Heather, and the couple have two young children.
Anyone interested in joining the crew or helping in any way can email the Lifeboat Station – [email protected] or call into the lifeboat station, on Penarth Esplanade on a Tuesday evening.
