A self-employed builder has been welcomed aboard as the latest volunteer sea-going crew member of the town's RNLI lifeboat.

Gareth Roscoe, 44, moved to Lyme Regis just over a year ago and now joins the men and women who give their time all year round to go to sea aboard the Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat Spirit of Loch Fyne. 

As a trainee crew member, he will embark on a training programme to develop the skills needed to operate the charity’s lifeboat in the waters around Lyme Regis both day and night.

Gareth RoscoeGareth Roscoe (Image: RNLI/Nick Marks)

Gareth, his civil servant wife Claire and their 13-year-old son Rhys moved to Lyme Regis from Bristol.

Gareth said: "One of the first things I did (upon moving to Lyme Regis), was to go to the lifeboat station and ask to join the crew.

"I have wanted to join the RNLI as crew for many years but never lived near enough to a lifeboat station to answer emergency calls.

"I have enjoyed getting up to speed with the training needed to prepare me for my sea-going role and have already attended the RNLI College in Poole for the seamanship course.

"As a newcomer, I appreciate the help I have received from the other committed volunteers at the lifeboat station."

A keen angler, Gareth takes regular fishing trips with his family aboard their 5.2m RIB (rigid inflatable boat) Orca.

The desire to become a lifeboat volunteer runs in the Roscoe family. Gareth’s son Rhys is also keen to become a crew member in due course.

Gareth added: "However, he (Rhys) is a little disappointed that the minimum age to join has now been increased from 17 to 18 years, but he just needs to be patient and wait another five years."

Read more: Mark Ellis joins as helm of Lyme Regis RNLI lifeboat crew

(Image: RNLI/Nick Marks)

Lifeboat Operations Manager Mark Colley said: "We are delighted to welcome Gareth aboard for his further training as a sea-going member of our lifeboat crew. I am sure he will be a valued member of our dedicated team of volunteers."

The Lyme Regis RNLI volunteers have answered 30 calls for help in 2024, the year in which the lifesaving charity celebrates its 200th anniversary.