AFTER months of training, commitment and time spent developing their skills on the water, two Teignmouth RNLI volunteers have reached an important milestone in their lifesaving journeys.

Charlie Maddocks and Lee Smith have both successfully passed their tier two assessments, becoming fully qualified members of Teignmouth’s volunteer lifeboat crew.

Since joining the station, Charlie and Lee have worked hard to develop their skills, gain valuable experience on the water and progress through the RNLI’s training programme.

Having previously passed their tier one assessments, achieving tier two marks the next step in their journey. They are now fully qualified boat crew, ready to take their place as operational members of the team whenever the pager sounds.

‘Passing tier two is a really proud moment for me’, Charlie said.

‘I have learnt a lot since joining the station and have really appreciated the support from everyone along the way.

‘It is great to have reached this stage, and I am looking forward to continuing the learn and being a part of the crew’, Charlie added.

Lee said: ‘I am really pleased to have passed tier two.

‘There is a lot of training and time involved in getting here, and I could not have done it without the support of everyone at the station.

‘I am proud to be a fully a qualified crew member and look forward to playing my part in help others.’

Teignmouth RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager, Andy Lilburn, congratulated both volunteers on their achievements and praised the commitment shown throughout their training.

‘Charlie and Lee have both shown real commitment throughout their training, and it is great to see them reach this milestone’, he said.

‘Training new crew is a team effort, and I would like to thank everyone who has supported them along the way.

‘We are delighted to have two more fully qualified crew members at Teignmouth’.