RNLI lifeguards to hold stand at Jersey Boat Show

Thursday 27 April 2017

Despite the on-going dispute between the RNLI and the former St Helier lifeboat crew, it's been confirmed RNLI lifeguards will have a stand at the Jersey Boat Show.

The RNLI shop located at the lifeboat station will be open throughout the weekend but the lifeboat station will be closed to the public.

Earlier this month, all 25 members of the crew, along with five members of the administration and management team, handed in their resignations after the dismissal of of the local coxswain, Andy Hibbs. Mr Hibbs was dismissed after a disciplinary hearing. The charity cited an alleged breach of the Volunteer Code of Conduct but the actual reasons behind the decision were never made clear. Mr Hibbs has since lodged an appeal and the RNLI told Express last week that they are going through a “...fair and comprehensive internal review into the challenge and the processes that led to the decision".

The dispute has caused public uproar with a large crowd gathering at the lifeboat station the Sunday after Mr Hibbs' dismissal to show him their support. Over 4,500 people have also signed a petition to reinstate Andy Hibbs.

Vicky Boarder, longtime fundraiser for the charity and owner of the Fresh Fish Company, also urged for a boycott of the RNLI and subsequently removed all her collecting tins.

Politicians have also been involved in the dispute and two local Senators bringing up the question in the latest States Assembly. During that sitting, Deputy Russell Labey alleged that the Ports of Jersey had tried to “take over” the towing of a French boat in distress following a successful RNLI mission, an event he described as being, "...akin to piracy", and that the issue had led to a formal complaint being lodged with the RNLI Headquarters. A claim that the RNLI later refuted.

While the disciplinary process is following its course, the charity has asked for Islanders to stop speculating on the dispute.