TWO Portishead teenagers are the latest cadets to join the Portishead and Bristol Lifeboat team - following in their fathers’ footsteps.
TWO Portishead teenagers are the latest cadets to join the Portishead and Bristol Lifeboat team - following in their fathers’ footsteps.
Samantha Herbert’s family has been part of the lifeboat crew for 35 years.
The 16-year-old’s grandfather, Ray Herbert, was one of the founder members of the Portishead and Bristol Lifeboat and her dad Dave Herbert is currently coxswain.
Samantha, who will be studying performing arts at Weston College from September, says that she has wanted to become a crew member for as far back as she can remember.
Jake Smith, aged 17, has also had an interest in the lifeboat since his dad Paul joined the crew two years ago.
The Gordano School student says both he and Samantha are looking forward to the challenges that lie ahead of them.
The cadets have already been training for several weeks, learning how to launch and recover the boat.
Their formal training will now include navigation skills, radio operation and first aid.
The law prevents anyone under 17 taking part in rescues so Samantha will have to wait until her next birthday before she can become a fully fledged crew member.
To support or find out more about the Portishead & Bristol Lifeboat visit www.portishead-lifeboat.org.uk
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here