Saving Lives at Sea: Michelle Theaker Passes Out as RNLI Tier-2 Crew Member

07 August 2025

When the call comes - whether under the blazing summer sun or the quiet cloak of night – Registration Officer Michelle Theaker is ready. With unwavering courage, she stands poised to answer a call to save lives at sea for the RNLI.

This has been Michelle’s daily reality since joining the RNLI three years ago, and she has now successfully passed out as a Tier-2 RNLI lifeboat crew member.

“Time’s flown by - even in that relatively short period, it’s been a huge learning curve since first pulling on the yellow wellies!” Michelle shared.

Her motivation to join the RNLI has deep roots: “My brother has been on the Barry Dock crew since his teenage years, and I’ve always admired his enthusiasm and commitment to the RNLI. I also had friends who are crew and have been since a young age. It’s so motivating.” But Michelle’s reasons go beyond family inspiration - she wanted to give back to the community and make a difference close to home.

“I wanted to give something back to the community and be part of something meaningful - especially with two teenage boys who love the water and are growing up by the coast. It’s a unique way to help people and promote water safety, and I just knew I had to be part of it.”

The commitment is serious as RNLI crew are on call 24/7, and the training is rigorous: “All crew have to attend a minimum amount of training exercises a year to be safe to go afloat. For the past year I have trained at least once a week to be competent to go for my Tier 2 passout – and I passed! I am now a fully substantive lifeboat crew member on the Shannon Class All Weather Lifeboat.”

Michelle added: “When the pager sounds, day or night, all available crew head to the RNLI Barry Dock Station. It doesn’t matter how many times it goes off, there are always nerves around arriving at the station and finding out what you are launching to.”

For those thinking about joining, Michelle has some inspiring advice: “Go for it. It’s one of the most rewarding things you can do. It’s definitely challenging, but the sense of teamwork, the skills you gain, and the people you meet make it 100% worth it.”

Michelle says her colleagues have also been hugely supportive throughout her journey: “My manager and colleagues are so supportive of my volunteer role and they were so happy for me for passing the Tier 2. They understand the importance of saving lives at sea and if the pager sounds they will jump in to help, when possible.

“The Council as an employer have been great in giving me special leave for RNLI training days. Last summer, as part of my Tier 2 training, I was privileged to attend a week’s Seamanship course at the RNLI headquarters training Centre in Poole.

The sun shone and the water was blue – it made the training the most amazing experience and I am very grateful for this.”

Michelle’s story is one of dedication, courage, and community spirit. Every call she responds to, every rescue she supports, is a reminder of the difference volunteering can make in the lives of those around us and in our communities. Thank you Michelle!