Eastbourne RNLI family celebrate 112 year volunteering legacy
A family has celebrated their 112 years of combined Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) service in Eastbourne
Ellie Guy, 18, is the fourth generation to walk through Eastbourne lifeboat station’s doors, with her great grandfather, George, leading the way.
Her grandfather, Dick, completed 47 years of volunteering prior to his retirement. Tim, Ellie’s uncle, served for 20 years. Dan, her father, is celebrating his 30th year of duty.
The longest-serving family member, Dick, has seen big changes in crew kit and lifeboat technology.
He said: "I remember the maroons that would fire twice to alert the crew and locals. Then we used telephone calls and the station would ring you up to say you’re needed.
“In 1989, we got our first pager. Across the years they changed. There was a time when you would count the beeps to see which lifeboat was going out and to know which part of the station to go to.
"Then the modern pagers got screens and crews now have phone apps. Even though I don’t volunteer anymore, if we hear a pager, whether it be from someone else or on the telly, I still get the buzz and always will.”
Inspired by his father Dick, Dan joined the RNLI aged 17 in 1996. Having given 30 years of voluntary service, Dan also works full-time for the RNLI as Fleet Staff Coxswain.
Dan said: “Eastbourne RNLI is a family outside of normal family life. When I came up to the age of 17, it was just natural that I joined.”
Dan recalls the day Ellie was born: “I remember I was on my second service call of the day. I was about seven miles out on a shout and my wife, Kirsty, rang me to say she was in labour. I said to myself, I’m not missing my first daughter be born. I made it home in time to get Kirsty to the hospital, and less than an hour later, Ellie arrived.”
Ellie said: “Being involved at the lifeboat station from a very young age, it just becomes part of you. Seeing my dad come home and see how happy and proud he was to be part of the crew – I wanted to be part of that as well.”
Tim said: “We used to come over to the lifeboat station and help dad out, even if it was just making teas and coffees for the crew and sweeping the boathouse.’
The four generations have collectively given 112 years of service.
Ellie hopes to make her family proud and encourage more women to join the search and rescue industry.
She said: “Just do it. Face your fears. Walk into your local station and go and see what it’s all about.”