Meet the lifeboat station manager from Cornwall who's been awarded a BEM
Ned Nuzum has been named in the Queen's New Year's Honours list
Last updated 31st Dec 2020
The operations manager of the Lizard Lifeboat Station has been awarded a BEM in the Queen's New Year's Honours list.
Edward Nuzum, known as Ned, has been recognised for his services to the RNLI and maritime safety in Cornwall.
The 65-year-old, who is originally from Ireland, has lived on the Lizard since 1981.
He had previously lived near the local lifeboat station in his hometown and his father was a fisherman, he first became a life governor for the RNLI around 30 years ago.
"It goes without saying, I have, as do all the other volunteers, a responsibility within the community of keeping the service running, it's not just a responsibility it's a debt to all the other volunteers who went before us over the past 161 years."
Ned Nuzum, Operations Manager, The Lizard Lifeboat Station
Ned's story
In 2005 Ned decided to do his bit for the local community and joined the Lizard lifeboat community, initially as a Lifeboat Launching Authority and in 2009, assumed the role of Lifeboat Operations Manager (LOM).
During this time, he has provided outstanding leadership and support to operational lifesavers and their families, whilst engaging the local community and making sure the station is welcoming and inclusive.
He was personally responsible for ensuring the transition from a 14-knot to a 25-knot lifeboat was conducted in a manner that satisfied both the maritime standards of the RNLI and the ability of the crew, enhancing their skills and levels of professionalism.
Ned's other achievements include organising the station into operating from two temporary facilities and subsequently, the newly built lifeboat station, and being the driving force behind the Lifeboat Management Group and is heavily involved with local fundraising teams and supporters.
He is at the heart of the local community and works tirelessly to promote the RNLI at every opportunity; he recently arranged for a young supporter to be recognised and thanked by way of a special visit to the RNLI All-weather Lifeboat Centre.
Upon issuing his BEM official say Ned's contribution to saving lives at sea within the community of The Lizard has been immense.
"The lifeboat is very much a part of the fabric of this village, as it is in lots of other lifeboat towns and villages all around the UK and Ireland.
"The support that we command and the respect that we command, not just from the community here but visitors alike, is phenomenal.
"It's giving back to the community, the camaraderie of being involved with such a like-minded bunch of fellow volunteers, it's one mission in mind- to save lives at sea, the lifeboat is in the heritage of our village."
Ned Nuzum, Operations Manager, The Lizard Lifeboat Station