32 Years of Service: Looe RNLI Bids Farewell to Lifeboat Operations Manager

After 32 years of dedicated voluntary service to the RNLI, Dave Haines, Looe RNLI’s longstanding Lifeboat Operations Manager, has retired. Dave’s journey began in 1992 when he first volunteered as crew member as the Looe inshore lifeboat station reopened on 15 June that year. His tenure as Lifeboat Operations Manager, which began in 2004, officially ended on Wednesday, 30 October 2024, coinciding with his 70th birthday.

The Early Years and Rise to Leadership

Dave’s early contributions saw him quickly progressing to helm the D Class inshore lifeboat, a role he maintained until he turned 45, the mandatory retirement age for volunteer crew members at that time. Determined to remain active, Dave transitioned to serving as a Launch Authority and shore crew. When asked to step in as Lifeboat Operations Manager 20 years ago, Dave accepted and led the station through significant milestones.

A Surprise Farewell to Remember

To honour Dave’s retirement and his significant birthday, Looe Lifeboat Station’s volunteer crew organised a surprise celebration at the station. As Dave walked into the crew room, he was met with cheers from his family, current and former crew members, and fundraising team members he had collaborated with over the decades. The celebration also included the presence of the Naismith family, whose legacy is connected to one of the station’s inshore lifeboats.

Although Tom Mansell, regional lifesaving lead for the RNLI in the South West, could not attend in person, he joined the event via video link to express gratitude for Dave’s extensive contributions. Reflecting on their history, Tom said, “back in 2004 he was the RNLI divisional inspector for Looe and when the previous Operations Manager left he ‘twisted’ Dave’s arm to act as caretaker Operations Manager until someone was appointed, and the rest as they say ‘is history.’”

Photo: Dave Haines and senior helm David Jackman representing the station at the Westminster Abbey RNLI 200 service 4 March 2024. – Photo credit: RNLI / Ian Foster

A Legacy of Service

During Dave’s 20 years as Lifeboat Operations Manager, Looe welcomed three new inshore lifeboats: the D Class Ollie Naismith in 2010, the Atlantic 85 Sheila and Dennis Tongue II in 2016, and the Ollie Naismith II in 2022. Clive Palfrey, senior helm and Dave’s successor, highlighted that “during Dave’s 32 years of service, the lifeboats in Looe have been launched on service 1,027 times, crews have assisted 826 people and saved 65 lives.” Clive noted this as a legacy Dave can be immensely proud of.

Commemorative Gifts and Memories

Shore crew member Carol presented Dave with a framed station photograph, titled “One Moment One Crew,” signed by the crew, along with an “IOU” for a weekend getaway. Dave took a moment to express his gratitude, recalling the days before modern equipment when the D Class had to be manually pushed down and back up the beach. He shared memories of receiving lifeboats, moving to Middleton’s Corner, opening the Albatross boathouse, hosting His Majesty the King (then the Duke of Cornwall) in 2014, and representing Looe at Westminster Abbey for the RNLI’s 200th service earlier this year.

Despite stepping down as Lifeboat Operations Manager, Dave isn’t leaving the RNLI. He will chair the station’s Lifeboat Management Group, coordinating operational and fundraising activities and representing the RNLI in the local community.

Reflecting on the surprise gathering, Dave said, “I’ve had time to reflect on my lifeboat career over the last 32 years, and I am very proud of our achievements and all the crew, boathouse guides, shop and fundraising volunteers I have met and worked with over the years.” He added, “I look forward to following the exploits of my current and future crew in the years to come under Clive’s leadership.”

Dave’s retirement marks the end of an era for Looe RNLI, but his influence will undoubtedly remain part of the station’s enduring spirit.

Photo: Dave Haines congratulating his successor Clive Palfrey and passing over the LOM pager and station keys – Photo credit: RNLI / Ian Foster