Thursday 23rd January, Simon’s last operational day for the RNLI charity since he started as a volunteer at Plymouth RNLI in 2018.
Simon has launched on service 225 times, saved 2 lives, aided 363 people, and spent over 350 hours at sea with countless more hours on exercise and training with the volunteer crew at RNLI.
Simon began volunteering at the lifeboat station as a member of the shore crew in May 2018 while working full-time for Princess Yachts as a Test Engineer.
He worked his way up to the boat crew before becoming the full-time Station Mechanic in May 2019. In April 2021, he became the full-time station Coxswain/Mechanic, taking over from David Milford, who retired after 32 years as Coxswain.
Ensuring crew welfare, maintaining operational readiness of our lifesaving assets, coordinating and arranging many of our community events as well as being the operational link between our Shop, Press, Fundraising and Water Safety Teams are just some of the areas Simon has been responsible for during his tenure as Coxswain/Mechanic at Plymouth RNLI.
To find out more about Plymouth lifeboat station go to:
https://rnli.org/find-my-
Simon’s Last Day With RNLI In Photos
1Plymouth RNLI retiring Coxswain/Mechanic Simon Jeffery
“As I retire from my role as the full-time Coxswain/Mechanic of the Plymouth Lifeboat, I can’t help but reflect on the incredible journey we’ve shared over the years.
From battling the raw power of the sea in the darkest nights and harshest weather conditions to moments when time was running out, we’ve always stood together, unwavering in our mission to save lives at sea.”
2Plymouth RNLI retiring Coxswain/Mechanic Simon Jeffery on Plymouth’s Severn Class Lifeboat Sybil Mullen Glover
“We’ve saved lives and aided many. Each rescue is a story: a life returned to loved ones, a family spared the pain of loss, and a chance for someone to see another sunrise.
Behind each of those lives are moments I’ll never forget moments of fear, courage, teamwork, and relief.
The crew that stood beside me are the backbone of this service. Your dedication, skill, and courage have been the reason for every success.
Each of you has brought something special to our missions, and I am humbled to have had the privilege of leading such an extraordinary team.”
3Coxswain/Mechanic Simon Jeffery onboard Coastguard Helicopter Rescue 924
4Coxswain/Mechanic Simon Jeffery on his final exercise
“As I leave this role, I do so knowing that the Plymouth Lifeboat station is in safe hands. The next generation of crew members will continue this vital work, and I am confident they will carry the same spirit of commitment and compassion.”
5Plymouth RNLI retiring Coxswain/Mechanic Simon Jeffery
“To all my fellow crew members and all the volunteers of Plymouth RNLI, thank you from the bottom of my heart. I’m so grateful for the shared laughter, the tough lessons, the triumphs, and even the challenging days.
These memories will always be with me.“
