A SALISBURY man received a special award from the RNLI chief executive to honour his devotion to the charity.

Ray Stedman is stepping back from the RNLI Salisbury, Wilton & District Branch after spending 13 years as chair of the branch.

He was handed a RNLI Excellence in Volunteering Award in recognition of his work for the organisation by the chief executive, Peter Sparkes, at the annual general meeting (AGM) and the Blue Peter Yacht Club’s fitting out supper on March 13.

The Navy Larks sea shanty choir also performed in his honour.

Peter who has been in the role since June 2024, came to the city to carry out a full review of the RNLI’s current operations and set out a pathway for the development of the organisation as it enters its third century.

More than 60 volunteers and supporters of the RNLI packed the Red Lion Hotel to hear about the future of the charity.

Mr Sparkes praised the efforts of the Salisbury, Wilton and District fundraising branch and, in particular, Ray.

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At the event Mr Sparkes highlighted some of the changes in how people access the waters around our shores.

“The RNLI’s main purpose is ‘Saving Lives at Sea’ which it has carried out for many years using a mix of small inshore and large offshore lifeboats,” a spokesperson said.

“As an increasing number of people use our coastline for swimming, windsurfing, paddle boards etc, the emphasis has changed to rescuing people who have set off from shore rather than boats getting into trouble far from the coast.

“98% of all responses are to incidents less than 10 miles from shore and only 0.5% are more than 25 miles out.

“There are two key elements in the future strategy of the RNLI.

“Firstly, more education of swimmers and small boat/board users in water safety before or at the start of their visit to the seashore.

“This is carried out by RNLI water safety advisors and lifeguards. Secondly, changes to the configuration of the charity’s lifeboat fleet to enhance the RNLI’s ability to reach those in trouble closer to the shore.”

At the AGM, Jeff Sutherland-Kay was elected as interim chair of the branch, and Matthew Sykes was elected as vice-chair.