Our volunteer crews give up their time and comfort to carry out rescues in difficult and often dangerous conditions.
Denis joined Walmer lifeboat crew in 1972 and rose to become coxswain of the all-weather lifeboat in 1988. He served as coxswain until the boat was replaced by an Atlantic 21 in May 1990. Denis than became senior helmsman of the new boat until retirement in 1999.He spent a year as deputy launching authority before becoming lifeboat operations manager in August 2000.
Les has the impressive record of over 50 years' service at Walmer station, during which he has held most roles both afloat and on the shore. In 1970 Les was awarded the Thanks of the Institution on Vellum for his part in the rescue of two men cut off by the tide in a cave. Despite his recent 'retirement' from active lifeboat work, he remains at Walmer as the Boat House Manager. Les' son Andy is one of Walmer's helmsmen.
Andrew Coe joined the Walmer lifeboat crew in 1988, having spent much of his youth on the beach by the lifeboat station, following in his father's footsteps. Andrew is a commercial vehicle workshop manager during the day and is the D class lifeboat mechanic in his spare time. Andrew has a long service award for 20 years in the RNLI
Matt Pavitt joined the Walmer lifeboat crew in 1993 and became a full-time lifeboatman at Gravesend from 2002-2007. Matt now works for Dover Harbour Board. During his time off he is also the Chairman of the Walmer, Deal and district fundraising branch. Matt is married to Emma, a member of the Walmer crew.
Nicola (Nic) joined the Walmer lifeboat crew in 1997 and became a helmsman in 2004. Nic lives and works close to the sea, being a full-time Coastguard Watch Officer at Dover. Nic received a letter of appreciation from the Operations director for a service in 2000.
Brad joined the Walmer lifeboat crew in 2001 and became a helmsman in 2006. Brad lives in Deal with his wife and son. Brad is a full-time fire fighter at Deal Fire Station.
Adam has been on the crew at Walmer since 2001 and has recently been appointed as a D-Class Helmsman. Adam lives in Walmer and works in IT.
Andy has been on the crew since 2000 and is a designate Helmsman. Andy works on a local dairy farm and lives in Walmer with his wife Jess and their baby daughter.
Like many others on the crew, Andy grew up working on the beach at Walmer. He lives in Walmer with his fiancée and works as an Able Bodied Seaman on a dredger at Dover.
Lucy has been on the crew at Walmer since 2000. When she isn't globe-trotting, Lucy is a teacher at Sandwich Technology College.
Steve has been on the crew since 2001. He lives in Deal and works as a car body work specialist.
James Evans is following in his father's footsteps as a crew member at Walmer. He has been a crew member since 2001 and qualified as a D-Class helmsman in 2008
Emma joined the crew in 2003. When she is not giving up her time with the RNLI Emma works as a nurse in the local A&E department. Emma iis married to Matt.
Gary has been on the crew for 3 years and has also served as a crew member on Dover Lifeboat. Gary lives in Deal and works as a mechanical engineer for Dover Harbour Board.
Sam has been a member of the crew since 2004. Sam works as a Police Officer and lives in Walmer with his wife.
Justin has been a member of the crew since 2005. Justin works for HM Revenue and Customs and enjoys a game of rugby in his spare time.
Dave has been a crew member since 2006. Dave works in London as an IT specialist and lives in Walmer with his wife and two children.
Colin has been at Walmer since 2006 and works as a paramedic.
James joined the crew in 2006. James works as a Health and Safety Instructor and part time DJ. He lives in Deal his wife and young son.
Former crew member Andy volunteers as a tractor driver at Walmer.
Jim Richards
Crew Member
Jim is an Immigration Officer and lives in North Deal with his wife and two children. Jim has been a crew member since 2007
Lou Martin
Crew Member
Lou is a Virgin Atlantic long haul airline pilot based at Heathrow. Lou is married with two children and lives in Deal
Martyn Stokes
Crew Member
Martin is a 6th form student at Walmer Technology college. Martyn joined the crew after being seconded to the station as part of the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme
Tony was a crew member at Walmer between 19??-20??. Tony is now a tractor driver and Atlantic mechanic. His son James is currently a member of the crew
Chris was a member of the lifeboat crew between 1988 - 2003. Chris now volunteers as the Tractor Driver and Mechanic.
Vic became a crew member in 2003. In 2007 she became a shore helper and in 2008 the Lifeboat Training coordinator. She works as a research scientist and is married to Chris.
Mick has been at Walmer station since 2004. He works for the Metropolitan Police and lives in Deal with his partner.
James has been on the crew since 2005. He works as a security officer at Pfizer.