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Penarth RNLI veterans honoured by chief executive

Monday, 18 August 2025 at 14:34

By Gareth Joy X @lookoutwales2

RNLI / Nick White

Long-serving volunteers at Penarth lifeboat station have been honoured by the RNLI's chief executive.

Peter Sparkes visited the station to present commenoration awards and to thank local volunteers for their dedicated service.

Among those honoured were John Smerkinich, who has spent over 20 years conducting station tours and as a water safety officer, while Pam Walton - who currently works in the RNLI shop - was honoured for her 50 years with the charity.

Pam said: "I have thoroughly enjoyed working with every person and it feels like a family, a real community... I suppose, it’s alright."

Two veteran helms at Penarth, Graeme 'Pikey' Jones and Owain Davies, were also acknowledged for their contributions.

Graeme has being involved in saving 91 lives during his thirty years of service while Owain has rescued 22 lives during his 22 years of volunteering, which has included over 727 shouts.

The chief executive also presented an Excellence in Volunteering award to Penarth RNLI chair Laurie Pavelin, which had been recommended by former lifeboat operations manager Jason Dunlop and supported by many of his collagues.

Mr Sparkes expressed his gratitude on behalf of the RNLI and the local community "for the dedication and commitment" of its Penarth volunteers.

An RNLI spokesperson said: "During the visit, Peter also shared his vision of unifying the functions of the different parts of the charity under a single support service for the 9,000 volunteers across the UK."

"Those present had the opportunity to provide observations and feedback on current processes and operations at RNLI stations in today's context."

"There has been a significant shift from the traditional role of the charity, which focused primarily on rescuing seamen from stricken ships by rowing boat, to a more versatile service that can swiftly assist people in trouble, such as day-trippers, swimmers, fishermen, walkers, paddleboarders, and kitesurfers."

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