Saving Lives at Sea: Council Registration Officer Passes Out as RNLI Tier-2 Crew Member
Vale of Glamorgan Council Registration Officer has successfully passed out as a Tier-2 lifeboat crew member with the RNLI at Barry Dock, marking nearly three years of dedicated service.
Day or night, Michelle Theaker is poised to courageously launch into action and answer a potentially life-saving rescue call aboard the Shannon Class All Weather Lifeboat.
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,2 she said. 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.”
Being on call 24/7 requires a strong commitment and rigorous training, as Michelle explains: “All crew have to attend a minimum amount of training exercises a year to be safe to go afloat.
“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.”
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 Training Centre in Poole. The training was the most amazing experience, and I am very grateful for this.”
Cllr Lis Burnett, Leader of the Vale of Glamorgan Council, said: “Michelle’s story is a powerful reminder of the difference volunteering can make - in this case, work that can quite literally save lives. It’s also another example of how Vale staff go above and beyond to serve their communities each and every day.
“The work of the RNLI is vitally important, helping to keep people safe along our county’s coastline. As a Council, we are incredibly grateful to the RNLI volunteers who selflessly carry out this life-saving work at our resorts, beaches and beyond.”
In 2024, the Vale of Glamorgan Council awarded local volunteers of the RNLI with Honorary Freeman and Freewoman status at a ceremony at the RNLI lifeboat station in Penarth, in recognition of the exceptional service they demonstrate to their communities.