Tenby RNLI Lifeboat station has unveiled its new Coxswain.

After a thorough selection and interview process, current crew member, Lisa Viggers was recently appointed as the new full-time Coxswain, following the retirement of Phil John in May.

Lisa, who owns and skippers one of Tenby’s Charter fishing boats, said: “I am absolutely delighted to take up this post. I am in the honoured position where I have an incredible crew, whose pedigree speaks for itself.

“We work as a team to serve the community, to make sure that everybody returns home safely to their families. I am really looking forward to the future.”

Lisa is due to take up her new role on June 24.

It was the end of an era at Tenby lifeboat station last month as Phil John handed over his pager on May 17, stepping down after 30 years as a crew member, 14 of those as the station Coxwain.

Lifeboats run in Phil’s family, with his dad Johnny having served on the crew before him; whist his brother Rob is a Deputy Coxswain at Tenby. 

Phil joined the crew in 1994, completing 16 years as a volunteer, before becoming full-time Coxswain in 2010 when then Coxswain Alan Thomas retired.

“With many lives saved and countless others assisted during his time, the replacement Coxswain will have big shoes to fill once appointed,” said a spokesperson for Tenby RNLI.

“From all the crew at the station - thanks for your service Phil, it’s been a pleasure. “Thanks for being a great leader over the years – you will be missed. Good luck in whatever you do next!”

This Father’s Day, Pembroke Castle will mark 200 years of saving lives at sea for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, hosting a ‘Lifeboat Festival’ in honour of the RNLI’s 200th anniversary on Sunday, June 16.

From 1 to 8pm, the medieval venue is set to open its gates for the public to meet local lifesavers and have fun while learning how to stay safe in the water with the RNLI Water Safety team.

Entry is free to enter, but donations to help the RNLI’s volunteers are welcomed.