Cowes RNLI Lifeboat Station has its first woman helm — Olivia ‘Libby’ Finch.
She joins the five male members at the station qualified to take charge of the station’s Atlantic 85 lifeboat ‘Sheena Louise’ on rescue operations in the Solent and River Medina.
“A sailor all my life”
Libby, who works as fundraiser with the Cowes-based Ellen McArthur Foundation, said,
“I’ve been a sailor all my life, and was keen to also volunteer with the local lifeboat.”
Noting that there were a number of female crew members at the station, she added,
“Perhaps there will come a time when all four crew members responding to a ‘shout’ will be women!”
Southwell: ‘One of the best ever’
The station’s Operations Manager, Mark Southwell, said,
“I was delighted that the assessor told her she was ‘one of the best ever’.
“We’ll done Libby! You join a very professional team of helms, and we wish you well in your new role.”
Played in England women’s lacrosse team
This is not, however, the only activity-related success for Libby in her life.
She had also once played in the England women’s lacrosse team.
News shared by George on behalf of Cowes RNLI. Ed
