Amelia Luck C018 becomes first female helm for Fowey RNLI

When asked how she feels to be the first female helm in Fowey lifeboat history, Amelia said: ‘I don’t really think of it like that, I see myself as just another helm. I don’t think there’s any difference, no-one makes me feel any different here and it’s all very inclusive. One of the female trainers that I had at the RNLI college in Poole said to me that we can do anything the guys can do, we’ve just got to go about it in different ways sometimes. I can do exactly the same as the men and I don’t get treated any differently. It’s great to be the first female helm at Fowey but I think of myself as the same as the others. We’re just one crew really.’

When she’s not volunteering for the RNLI Amelia is doing an apprenticeship in business management. She also works as a Harbour Patrol officer during the summer season in Fowey Harbour.

The charity is looking to recruit more volunteers for a variety of sea-going and station roles and Amelia is keen to encourage others to follow in her footsteps. Asked what advice she would have for women who might be interested in becoming lifeboat crew, Amelia is clear: ‘The RNLI is a very inclusive organisation and provides a huge amount of training for new crew members. If the thing that’s stopping you is because you’re female, don’t let it. If you’re thinking of joining, come down to your local station, have a chat and meet the crew. Everyone’s really friendly and you won’t get treated any differently if you’re female or male.

All images copyright of Austen Bannister.