A Plymouth RNLI volunteer who has launched more than 650 times and helped save hundreds of lives is marking 20 years of service with the lifeboat station.
Stephen Bennetts joined Plymouth RNLI in 2006 and now serves as Second Coxswain on the station’s Severn class all-weather lifeboat.
Over two decades, he has aided more than 870 people and spent more than 1,000 hours at sea, alongside countless additional hours training to keep rescue crews ready to respond.
Growing up in Saltash, Steve spent much of his childhood on the water and was inspired by his father, who volunteered as a firefighter for 30 years.
After moving to Plymouth for work, he approached his employer about carrying a pager so he could respond to emergencies. He has continued to balance volunteering with his working life ever since.
Steve began as crew on both the inshore and all-weather lifeboats before progressing to helm roles and later qualifying as a coxswain in 2016.
Credit:
RNLI/Darren Blight
The coxswain is the most senior role at sea, responsible for the lifeboat, crew and key decisions during rescues. His first service in the role involved assisting a fishing vessel aground on Mountbatten Breakwater.
Reflecting on his time with the RNLI, Steve said volunteering had given him a strong sense of camaraderie and purpose, as well as lifelong friendships.
He also paid tribute to his wife and family for their support, acknowledging the missed occasions and disrupted plans that come with answering emergency callouts at any hour.
Station Coxswain Neil Humphrey said Steve’s “quiet professionalism” and reliability had made a lasting difference to both crew members and the public.
Lifeboat Operations Manager Nigel Gray added that his experience and calm approach continue to benefit the station and newer volunteers alike.
