Barclay Harvey

I joined the RNLI in 2018 to give something back to the island. I enjoy being at sea (swimming, sailing, windsurfing and fishing) and couldn't think of a better way to combine both aspects. In 2004 I participated in the ‘Global Challenge' around the world yacht race in which 12 identical yachts sail the wrong way around i.e. against the wind and currents! It taught me a lot about the sea and how working as a team can make a big difference. The RNLI (and all its supporters) are also one big team. From the start the welcome, training, care and commitment given over to us as volunteers was incredible. It’s a highly respected and established charity with great values and great people. One of my first truly memorable shouts was to a French yacht with 4 persons on-board which was 7 miles south of Jersey making its way to St. Helier. The skipper (and only knowledgeable sailor on board) had slipped and broken his leg. The ILB was tasked and once located and on his yacht we firstly had to make the yacht safe by taking down the sails and then treated the casualty. He was in a lot of pain but with the equipment we carry we managed to make him as comfortable as possible and get him back to Jersey safely. The friendships I have made with other volunteers and the bonds of trust formed are very special, especially with such a refreshingly diverse group of people. We train a lot and RNLI never sits still - there is always something new to learn.