Mudeford RNLI honours longest serving volunteer Kevin Dingley who joined the station at the age of 16

Amid the RNLI’s 200th anniversary celebrations, Mudeford station has honoured its longest serving volunteer.

Kevin Dingley joined the area’s lifeboat station as a 16-year-old back in 1974, helping out during a period when the crew mostly comprised of local fishermen.

Over the decades he has seen many changes and developments since the lifeboat was kept in a hexagonal wooden hut.

Now, Mudeford RNLI operates from a modern and well-equipped station.

Recalling his early days, Kevin said: “The gear was some oilskins hanging up in the wooden hut and some wellington boots.

“The boat had only one engine, a spare prop, a radio, a first aid kit and a compass; and you knelt in the boat!”

He continued: “The kit and equipment we have today is amazing, but it requires a lot of training. I take my hats off to the crew today who train regularly through the whole year.

“We didn’t have the paddleboarders, kayakers, kitesurfers, and wing-foilers we see today. The crew now have to respond to a whole range of incidents, and they require a wide base of skills and knowledge.”

Despite stepping down from the crew in 2002, Kevin remained closely involved with the station and with the RNLI.

In 2004, he became treasurer for the station and the fundraising team who collect donations for it.

More recently, Kevin started giving tours of the Poole RNLI College and factory.

“It’s a role I love and my experience at the station helps me to bring to life what the RNLI stands for and how it works,” he added.

His message to those thinking of joining the RNLI was: “I would say do it. It is a big commitment, but it is really rewarding and you become part of a very special group of volunteers who are dedicated to saving lives at sea.

“It is no exaggeration to say you and your family become part of an even bigger family.”

Mudeford RNLI volunteer lifeboat operations manager Steve Doe said: “On behalf of the Mudeford RNLI crew, a massive thank you to Kevin for his support and commitment to the RNLI over the past 50 years.

“He has truly helped to save many lives at sea. Happy 50th anniversary Kevin!”