THE Chair of Porthcawl RNLI Lifeboat Management Group, Ian Stroud, is to receive the British Empire Medal (BEM) after being a volunteer for more than 34 years.
A stalwart of the lifesaving community in south Wales, Ian started as a crew member at Porthcawl in 1986. He served until 1992 when he retired from the sea-going role but remained actively involved.
For 25 years, Ian was Porthcawl’s Lifeboat press officer promoting real-life rescue stories to raise awareness of the role of the volunteer crew, supporting fundraising and sharing safety messages.
Alongside this role, Ian was appointed Deputy Launch Authority and was responsible for authorising the launch of the station’s lifeboats, a role which he carried out for 20 years.
Ian said: “I’m delighted and honoured to receive such recognition, it’s not something I ever expected.
“I’ve held several RNLI roles during my time, but I’ve particularly enjoyed my role as Lifeboat press officer, promoting Porthcawl Lifeboat Station and our dedicated volunteers, who are on-call 24/7 to save lives at sea.”
Lifesaving has always been in Ian’s blood. He qualified as an RLSS voluntary lifeguard on the beach in Porthcawl at the age of 31 and served as a member of Porthcawl Lifeguard Club for over 20 years, teaching lifesaving skill and then becoming an examiner.
Beyond his RNLI volunteering, Ian played a pivotal role in the Porthcawl Christmas Morning Swim for 23 years, ensuring the event was well publicised, promoting water safety to the hundreds of participants, and helping raise over £175,000 for charities in south Wales.
Peter Sparks, RNLI Chief Executive said: “It is no understatement that the water in and around south Wales is a safer place thanks to Ian. Totally immersed in all aspects of station life, his selflessness, integrity and inclusivity are an inspiration.”
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