Barry Dock RNLI move to new station in season's end

Crews officially moved into the new facility on September 12, which was a doubly momentous day for the service, also heralding the end of the lifeguarding season.

It was at 7.20pm exactly that over three decades of service was drawn to an end at Barry Dock RNLI’s old facility.

Then, just 40 minutes later, a little further along the pier, the flag was hoisted on the new centre – a modern turquoise cladded shell with solar panels.

Flag goes down at old station after over 30 years (Image: Barry Dock RNLI)

Flag is hoisted at the new station (Image: Barry Dock RNLI)

Work on the new station began in 2022.

The new boathouse is described as a realisation of a dream for the volunteer crew.

They will now have dedicated crew changing and showering facilities, and a workshop for maintenance and rectification.

The new base is also home to a separate crew room and training facility, capable of holding medium events, welfare facilities and private office space.

Stunning new station (Image: Barry Dock RNLI)

The station began being built in 2022 (Image: Google Maps)

RNLI celebrate end of the lifeguarding season on beautiful evening

The history-defining move was accompanied by the multi-agency exercise to mark the end of the lifeguarding season in stunning conditions.

Barry Dock all-weather lifeboat, inshore lifeboat, RNLI lifeguards on a rescue water craft, Surf Lifesavers, volunteers from water safety, fundraising and the visitor centre, as well as Barry Coastguard Rescue Team all came together for the training exercise.

And a stunning evening to herald the end of the lifeguard season (Image: UAV Aspects LTD)

Barry Dock RNLI lifeboat Coxswain Andy Gavan described it as a ‘moment of magic’.

“The whole Barry Dock lifesaving community came together which was quite a sight, especially with it being the last time we launched on exercise out of our current station.”

On exercise: RNLI Lifeguards, Barry Dock RNLI D class and Trent class (Image: UAV Aspects LTD)

Matt Childs, lead lifeguard supervisor for Bridgend and the Vale said the event was a fantastic opportunity to capture the team together on what turned out to be a beautiful evening.

“We enjoy a great relationship with the crew at Barry Dock and wish them all the very best with the move into their new home."

Barry Coastguard and Barry Dock RNLI visitor centre volunteers (Image: RNLI/Kevin Lake)

On the evening as a whole, a spokesperson for the RNLI said it was an emotional day and, as ever, thanked the public for their generosity in supporting the charity.

“On Tuesday, September 12, our RNLI flag at our old lifeboat station was lowered for the final time, marking an end of 35 years service to Barry Dock Lifeboat, but memories will never be forgotten. 

“At 8pm, we raised our flag at our new lifeboat station officially marking the start of lifesaving operations in our new home. 

“Thank you to each and every one of you for your continued support. Without you, our volunteers would not be able to do what we do; to be available and on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year to save lives at sea.”