West Kirby RNLI see first ever shout with all-female BV team

Clare Rogers and Lindsay Gatenby, who made up the BV team, were launched on Sunday, January 28 after an international student, who was unaware of the tides in the area got cut off during a walk at the Middle Eye.

Lindsay, from West Kirby, is part of a "life boating family" with her husband Chris, having worked as a helm for 30 years.

She is the first official female BV driver for the RNLI as there are very few BVs in the country.

Lindsay Gatenby (Image: David Edwards)

A BV (Hägglunds Bandvagn 206) is an all-terrain launching vehicle.

Clare has volunteered for the RNLI for around five years and is a Trainee Lifeboat Crew. She is training to be a BV driver.

The pair were the RNLI's first ever shout with an all-female BV206 team.

Launch Authority for West Kirby RNLI, Andy Brown, was in charge of the shout on that day.

Speaking to the Globe, he said: "I picked Clare and Lindsay because they are good at what they do.

Clare Rodgers (Image: West Kirby RNLI)

"In an emergency, we just chose the right people. We see them as team members, and over the number of years at West Kirby, it's been great seeing so many females getting involved operationally.

"Anybody can be part of the RNLI."

Speaking about being the first ever RNLI female shout, Clare said: "I hadn't thought about it, until the team mentioned it afterwards.

"I'd recommend any females who want to save lives at sea to get in touch, there's lots of ways to be involved."

Lindsay added: "I'm thankful our 'one crew' efforts made such a difference for the casualty.

"Every role in the RNLI helps us save lives at sea, so if you'd like to be driving the BV or anything else, get in touch."

To find out more about how to get involved, visit here.