TEIGNMOUTH lifeboat crew have welcomed two new members.

Laura Kriefman and Stuart Eames have joined the volunteer crew at as a trainee Launch Authority.

The volunteer position is essential to ensuring the RNLI sends the right lifesaving assets appropriate to the situation and done safely and timely.

Laura, a keen sailor, joined Teignmouth RNLI in October, beginning her immediate training for the shore-based volunteer role of Launch Authority.

She said: ‘I have often thought about how important the RNLI’s work is to so many members of the public- whether holiday visitors or experienced locals.’

After moving to Dawlish, Laura is just a seven minute walk away from the beach and is looking forward to being a member of the volunteer crew, and joining the skilled team at the station.

Joining Laura as trainee LA is Stuart Eames, who has been part of the volunteer crew at Teignmouth RNLI since 2013.

Stuart joined initially as volunteer shore crew and continued his training becoming a head launcher and passing out as a tractor driver.

Over his 11-year service, Stuart has had many memorable moments, including his times as a ‘live casualty in one of the many demonstrations’.

A train driver in his day job, Stuart is looking forward to ‘continuing his volunteer training, using the training he’s already gained over the years and learning even more’.

The Launching Authority contributes to the operational activities carried out to maintain the lifeboats and all associated equipment in a constant state of readiness for launching on service.