New man at the helm issues safety advice to seafarers

THE new man in charge of Lyme Regis lifeboat station has issued his New Year advice to local sailors - “have a great time, but just use your commonsense.”

Grahame Forshaw starts 2011 as RNLI Operations Manager combining that volunteer role with his full-time job as harbourmaster.

The lifeboat crew answered 36 emergency calls during 2010, eight less than in 2009.

Mr Forshaw said: “We will always be here as back-stop with our aim to save lives at sea.

“We all have an inbuilt survival instinct and the sea is for everyone to enjoy.

“I just urge all those who go to sea to take all the proper precautions to stay safe and enjoy themselves.”

As for his new role, Mr Forshaw said: “I see no conflict between being harbourmaster and Lifeboat Operations Manager.

“I am on the spot most of the day and I know all the key players. I think each of my roles is enhanced by the other.”