Michael McNally

Being born in Jersey, I have always carried out activities on or near the Sea. From swimming and fishing as a youngster through to my teens, to boating and being involved with local sailing clubs in later years. I was always very aware of the RNLI and the services it provides and was for many years a Shoreline member. In April 2000, I was asked by a friend if I would be keen in joining the crew at St Catherine. I did not need to be asked twice and more or less signed up there and then. Then followed an “interesting” conversation with my wife as our second child was only 2 months from being born! Being a crew member is more then going to sea and rescuing people, it's about the training, camaraderie, and being part of the wider RNLI family. I was fortunate enough to progress from boat crew to Helmsman within a couple of years, a position I held until I had to retire on medical grounds several years ago. I am now on the management team and also one of the Launching Authorities with responsibility for liaising with the Coastguard to authorise the launch of the Lifeboat. I also help to coordinate visits to the Lifeboat station for school or youth activity groups. This is a very important activity as it starts to promote sea safety to youngsters from early on and hopefully they will remember some simple advice which may help them stay out of difficulties in later life.