RNLI station celebrates first all-female crew

An RNLI station in North Shields has launched its first all-female crew, hailing it as a “momentous occasion”.

Helmed by Anna Heslop, the four-strong RNLI Cullercoats spent an hour-and-a-quarter in the North Sea on a training exercise. It was the first time the station had ever launched a crew consisting of all women. Until ten years ago, there had never been a female volunteer at the station.

The station’s lifeboat operations manager — and mother of Ms Heslop — Kay Heslop says Cullercoats had sought an all-female crew for a long time. Speaking to the BBC, she points out that 10 per cent of RNLI volunteers across the UK are women.

Currently, the Cullercoats crew, which was set up in 1848, comprises has 24 volunteers — four of whom are women. Joining Heslop, who is the station’s first female helm, were Sarah Whitelaw, Hannah Oliver and Rose Short.

While at sea on Sunday 11 December 2022, the crew scattered ashes for a local family before carrying out training procedures.

Whitelaw told the BBC it was “honour” to be part of history. She said: “We all reflected upon it and mentioned how amazing it was to be a part of.

“The nice thing about the RNLI is everybody brings different skills, it’s not all about physical strength for example. Growing up in the area I knew how important the lifeboat was to the community but I never felt able to volunteer as I never felt I had anything to to offer.

“But they need so many different skills and experiences, everyone can be of use and we learn so much from each other. They just want people with enthusiasm and a willingness to get involved.”

In April last year, RNLI Teddington sent out the first ever all-female RNLI crew callout on the Thames. The volunteer crew were called to an unattended rowing boat with the engine still running.