Looe RNLI volunteer recognised in the King’s New Year Honours
David Haines has dedicated 30 years to the charity
Last updated 31st Dec 2024
A former Lifeboat Operations Manager for the RNLI in Cornwall has been recognised in the New Years Honours.
David Haines, Looe RNLI, who has dedicated over 30 years to the RNLI, has been recognised with a British Empire Medal (BEM) for his role in helping the charity save lives at sea.
David has been awarded for his services to the RNLI. His citation reads: ‘a humble hero whose legacy transcends accolades, his selfless devotion is an inspiration to everyone in guaranteeing a path of service, courage, and kindness for generations to come.’
From the moment Looe Lifeboat Station reopened its doors in 1992, David has provided selfless service and steadfast commitment to saving lives at sea. Over the past three decades, he has held volunteer roles across all levels within the station, initially as lifeboat crew and then helm, before stepping into the pivotal role of Lifeboat Operations Manager at a time when the station needed strong leadership and stability.
His visionary approach has ensured the seamless operation of the station, safeguarding its future through strategic planning, volunteer empowerment, and community engagement. During David’s 32 years of service the lifeboats in Looe have been launched on service 1,027 times, crews have assisted 826 people and saved 65 lives.
At a time of tragedy when a 19-year-old lost his life unexpectedly in 2009, he emerged as a beacon of hope and resilience in Looe, driving an appeal to fund and name a lifeboat after the young man. Over the past two decades, Looe has been well served by two D class lifeboats named in memory of Ollie Naismith.
David also gave his time generously to advocating the RNLI’s lifeguard service in south east Cornwall in the busy summer months, ensuring the lifeboat crew and lifeguards train together regularly to achieve the maximum lifesaving effect. This also extended to supporting the lifeguards in their annual rescue board challenge, a gruelling open water paddle using nothing but their arms to raise essential funds for the charity.
His passion for lifesaving stems from a lifelong connection to the sea. In 1979 David’s brother John, aged 19, tragically died following a fishing accident at sea. Ever since David has worked tirelessly on and around the water playing his part in water safety. David has been a boat owner since the age of 15 and has worked as a commercial fisherman, as well as serving as a Looe Harbour Commissioner. He also works on the fish market and can usually be found on East Looe quay helping the fishing community, or on his ferryboat Emma Louise.
His contagious enthusiasm has inspired countless individuals to join the RNLI, including his own family members who have followed in his footsteps.
He was recognised with a special Rotary Award for his vocational and voluntary work in 2018, and the RNLI’s 30-year Long Service Award in 2022.
He retired from operational service on his 70th birthday in October and has left an outstanding lifesaving legacy as the crew embark on a new chapter. Fortunately, the community has continued to benefit from his unparalleled expertise and wise counsel as he has taken up a new role as Chair of the Lifeboat Management Group, representing the wider activities of the RNLI.
David, in receipt of his BEM said: ‘I was so surprised when I received the letter saying that I was going to receive an honour, it took a while for the news to sink in. I feel incredibly proud, and humbled, to have been recognised in this way but I couldn’t have achieved anything without the support of the Looe RNLI family - from the operational crew to the many fundraising, shop and boathouse guide volunteers, and the local community who have supported Looe RNLI so well over the decades.
‘On a personal note, I’m also very proud that my family have been influenced by my volunteering and have all been involved in the RNLI and maritime in one way or another. I’d like to thank everyone who has made my time with the RNLI so memorable, and for my family who have been so supportive.
‘My 32 years as a volunteer has been immensely rewarding and I feel privileged to be part of such a fantastic organisation.’
In total five volunteers from the RNLI have been recognised in the King’s New Year’s Honours.
RNLI Chief Executive Peter Sparkes said: ‘What a wonderful way to end the RNLI’s 200th anniversary year with recognition for these volunteers from right across the UK.
‘For a charity to have survived 200 years based on the time and commitment of volunteers – and on the sheer generosity of the public who provide kind donations – is truly remarkable. Good people responded then and have continued to do so for two centuries: men and women showing extraordinary courage, supported by volunteers and donors who hold the RNLI’s values dear.
‘Our volunteers are the heart of our lifesaving service – we couldn’t do what we do without them. My congratulations to these five worthy recipients and my sincere thanks to the thousands of others who continue to volunteer their time as we embark on our third century of saving lives at sea.’
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