Six Royal National Lifeboat Institution volunteers have been recognised in His Majesty The King’s New Year Honours, marking more than 200 years of combined service to maritime safety.
The RNLI, which operates across Ireland and Britain, said the awards highlight the scale of voluntary commitment that underpins its lifesaving work at sea.
RNLI chief executive Peter Sparkes congratulated the recipients and their families. He said volunteers rely heavily on home support when responding to emergencies.
“It is great to see this recognition right across the nation,” he said, noting roles ranging from frontline rescue to medical and fundraising support.
Among those honoured is long-serving lifeboat volunteer Victor Dade, awarded an MBE after 46 years with the RNLI and three bronze medals for gallantry.
Mr Dade, who joined the Hunstanton crew in 1979, received awards for rescues involving a windsurfer, a fishing vessel and a yacht in severe conditions.
“I just enjoy it,” he said. “I like the people and the crew. It’s surreal to be recognised like this.”
Clive Rand was also made an MBE for his leadership in RNLI fundraising through the West Yorkshire Business Branch, which has raised more than £500,000.
Tony Jones of New Brighton RNLI received an MBE for over 40 years of service across multiple operational roles at the station.
Fundraising volunteer Patsy Smith was awarded an MBE after four decades supporting Kirkwall Lifeboat Station in Orkney.
Two British Empire Medals were also awarded. Clive Buckley was recognised for founding and leading the Solihull RNLI fundraising branch.
Christopher Cuff received a BEM for his work as a regional medical adviser and for supporting lifeboat crews across 33 stations in south-west England.
The RNLI said the honours underline the vital role volunteers play in saving lives at sea.
