It’s a picture that provides the clearest evidence – that when it comes to the RNLI at Cowes being female is categorically no bar to any role in the organisation.
Whether its boat crew, shore crew, launch authority, plant operator, manning the local RNLI shop or being a member of the visits team – they are all responsibilities ably undertaken by women in the town.
All-women crew
To further underline the RNLI’s cross-gender policy, after this all-female picture was taken at the station yesterday (Wednesday) the lifeboat was launched on a Cowes Week exercise with an all-women crew.
Moreover, at the controls was Libby Finch, who only recently qualified as the station’s first woman helm.
Southwell: A serious professional service – ready at a moment’s notice
Mark Southwell, Station Operations Manager, said,
“As far back as 15 years ago the then-independent Cowes lifeboat already had a mixed crew, which went on transfer to the RNLI service. So, from the start we have been able to demonstrate that the lifeboat it not a men’s club, and it’s not a club at all – but a serious professional service – ready at a moment’s notice.
“Today 30 percent of the station itself is female. There are no bars or prejudices towards anyone here. Logically that’ll be a 50/50 split one day and rightly so, thus reflecting the population of Cowes. And all lifeboats should fully represent their towns.
“I have to say that I admire anyone, man or woman, who happily turns up and launches in such foul conditions as we have experienced this week, and still has a broad smile!”
News shared by George on behalf of Cowes RNLI. Ed
