At just 20 years old, Tenby RNLI volunteer Eddie Waring has achieved a major milestone, qualifying as a helm on the station's D class inshore lifeboat, becoming one of the youngest RNLI helms in Wales.

Eddie, who joined the Tenby RNLI lifeboat crew as soon as he could at aged 18, has quickly progressed through the ranks thanks to his dedication, commitment to training and experience in the water.

Tenby RNLI's inshore lifeboat
Tenby RNLI's inshore lifeboat (Tenby RNLI)

Before becoming a lifeboat crew member, Eddie served as a RNLI lifeguard from the age of 16, helping keep beachgoers safe along the Pembrokeshire coast.

This year marks 25 years of RNLI lifeguards, a service that has helped save lives, prevent accidents, and keep millions of beach visitors safe around the UK coastline.

Eddie’s passion for the sea and water safety led naturally to volunteering with the lifeboat crew, where he has developed the skills and leadership required to become a helm.

At just 20 years old, Tenby RNLI volunteer Eddie Waring has achieved a major milestone, qualifying as a helm on the station's D class inshore lifeboat,
At just 20 years old, Tenby RNLI volunteer Eddie Waring has achieved a major milestone, qualifying as a helm on the station's D class inshore lifeboat, (Tenby RNLI)

As a helm on the inshore lifeboat, Eddie is responsible for leading the crew and making key decisions during search and rescue operations, a role that carries significant responsibility.

Away from Tenby Lifeboat Station, Eddie enjoys surfing and maintaining a high level of fitness.

His athletic achievements have also seen him be selected onto the Team GB talent athlete pathway for skeleton, the high-speed winter sport in which competitors race head-first down an ice track.

Eddie said: “Qualifying as a helm is something I've worked towards since joining the crew, so I'm really proud to have reached this stage. The training has been challenging but incredibly rewarding, and I couldn't have done it without the support of everyone at Tenby Lifeboat Station.

“I've spent much of my life in and around the water through lifeguarding, surfing and the RNLI, so being able to help lead our inshore lifeboat crew and support people when they need us most means a great deal to me,” he continued.

Eddie Waring pictured with his dad Gary
Eddie Waring pictured with his dad Gary (Tenby RNLI)

Tenby RNLI lifeboat’s full-time Coxswain Gary Waring, who also happens to be Eddie’s dad, said: “Seeing Eddie qualify as a helm is a proud moment for all of us at the station, but especially for me as his dad.

“I've watched him develop over the years as a RNLI lifeguard and then bringing all that experience over to his lifeboat crew role and now becoming a helm. To reach this milestone at just 20 years old is a fantastic achievement and reflects the commitment, maturity and skill he brings to the role,” he continued.

Gary Waring has been selected as the station’s new full-time Coxswain.
Eddie’s father Gary Waring, Tenby RNLI station’s full-time Coxswain. (Tenby RNLI)

“The RNLI has been a huge part of Eddie's life from a young age, and it's been rewarding to see him embrace every opportunity. We hope Eddie's journey inspires other young people in our community to get involved with the RNLI. The charity offers incredible opportunities to learn new skills, challenge yourself and make a real difference.

“Everyone at Tenby RNLI is delighted to see him reach this important milestone and we look forward to seeing him continue to develop as a helm,” added Gary