A Teignmouth lifeboat volunteer has been recognised for his dedication and commitment to serving the lifesaving Royal National Lifeboat Institute (RNLI) for 30 years.

Charie Woolnough is currently one of the launch authorities at Teignmouth RNLI. In his role he authorises the launch of the lifeboat and volunteer crew after a call is received.

Previously, he spent 13 years as lifeboat operations manager at Teignmouth lifeboat station and he has also served as helm, part of the launch authority team and as a tractor driver.

Charlie was presented with a medal in recognition of ‘an incredible’ 30 years of dedicated service to the RNLI by area operations manager Nigel Jones during a training exercise last Thursday (September 18).

‘Thirty years of volunteering with the RNLI is an incredible achievement. Charlie’s dedication and commitment over so many years has made a huge difference to our station, our crew, and ultimately the people whose lives we’ve been able to save,’ said Teignmouth RNLI’s current lifeboat operations manager Andy Lilburn. ‘On behalf of everyone here at Teignmouth RNLI, I offer a heartfelt thank you and congratulations on reaching this incredible milestone.’

On receiving his award, Charlie commented that it had been ‘an honour to volunteer for such a wonderful charity and a privilege to serve alongside a great team of people’.

Volunteer roles at Teignmouth RNLI are wide ranging. As well as the volunteer boat and launch crew, there are a host of volunteering opportunities available behind the scenes.

Teignmouth RNLI is currently recruiting for key roles in its fundraising and engagement team including a volunteer shop manager, a fundraising treasurer and fundraising and engagement chair. ‘Our fundraising and engagement team plays a crucial role in connecting both visitors and the local community to ensure we have the funds needed to keep our crews ready to respond at a moment’s notice,’ commented a Teignmouth RNLI spokesperson.