New Quay RNLI is honouring one of its most distinguished volunteers, Daniel Potter, who has officially retired from his role as station coxswain this weekend after an incredible 32 years of dedicated service. Dan, who first joined the RNLI in 1981, leaves behind a remarkable legacy of leadership and lifesaving at the Cardigan Bay station.
A Lifetime of Service and Heritage
Daniel Potter's connection to the RNLI runs deep, as he is the great-nephew of Frederick Shayler, a celebrated coxswain from the 1920s and 1930s. His own volunteering career at New Quay Lifeboat Station has been nothing short of outstanding, marked by decades of commitment and courage.
Dan assumed the position of volunteer coxswain in 1994, following the retirement of the renowned Winston Evans. Prior to this, he served as second coxswain for several years, while also fulfilling roles as a second mechanic and an inshore lifeboat helm. His extensive experience has been instrumental in guiding the station through numerous challenges and advancements.
Technological Evolution and Leadership
Throughout his tenure, Dan has witnessed and adapted to significant technological progress in lifeboat design and capability. He has served on three distinct classes of all-weather lifeboats, transitioning from the wooden Oakley class, which could achieve 8 knots, to the 17-knot Mersey class, and finally to today's advanced 25-knot Shannon class lifeboat equipped with jet propulsion.
His profound knowledge of Cardigan Bay, including its intricate tides and coastline, has made him an invaluable leader during countless emergency call-outs. Dan has steered crews through many demanding shouts, major incidents, and complex multi-agency rescues, ensuring the safety of both his team and those in peril at sea.
Memorable Rescues and Gallantry
Reflecting on his career, Dan highlighted two particularly memorable rescues that underscore the bravery and skill required in RNLI operations. In 2008, during the rescue of the yacht Galasma, his crew battled force nine gales, high waves, and poor visibility to save five lives after the vessel suffered total electronics and engine failure approximately 20 miles north of New Quay.
More recently, in November 2021 during Storm Arwen, Dan led a critical mission to aid three Irish ocean rowers whose boat had issued a mayday call 18 miles northwest of the station. This rescue, conducted in force eight to nine winds and rough seas, saw one rower evacuated by helicopter due to a head injury, while the remaining three were successfully pulled to safety in a race against time.
For this heroic effort, Dan and his crew were awarded the Chairman's Letter of Thanks, an RNLI gallantry award that recognises exceptional bravery, courage, and endeavour. Dan recalled the emotional intensity of the rescue, noting that there were tears on the lifeboat that day, and the grateful expressions of the rowers will remain with him forever.
A Legacy of Camaraderie and Safety
Speaking about his retirement, Dan expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity to serve alongside such a dedicated and courageous crew. He emphasised that the camaraderie within the station has been a key factor in his long tenure, stating, "Without everyone it doesn't work, we are one team."
He also took pride in the fact that, throughout his leadership, the crew remained safe with no injuries, a testament to his commitment to teamwork and meticulous planning. While he is stepping down as coxswain, Dan will continue to contribute to the station as a launch vehicle driver and launch authority, ensuring his expertise remains available.
Tributes from the RNLI Community
New Quay RNLI's Lifeboat Operations Manager, Edward Hides, paid heartfelt tribute to Dan's immense contribution, saying, "Daniel's leadership and experience have shaped this station for more than four decades. His calm presence at the helm, his commitment to teamwork, and his ability to inspire others have left an enormous legacy. We are immensely grateful for his service and wish him the very best for the future."
Earlier this month, Dan led his final training exercise in command of New Quay's all-weather lifeboat, a poignant moment made even more special by the attendance of former crew members, including ex-coxswain Winston Evans, second coxswain Idris Evans, and head launcher Ian Hides. Their presence highlighted the deep respect and admiration Dan has earned within the wider RNLI family over the years.
Looking Ahead for New Quay RNLI
As Dan passes the torch, the volunteer coxswain duties will now be shared among three experienced volunteers: Bernie Davies, Rees-Tom Jones, and Huw Williams. This collaborative approach ensures that New Quay's all-weather lifeboat remains on call 24/7, ready to respond to emergencies and continue the lifesaving work that Dan has so passionately upheld for over three decades.
Daniel Potter's retirement marks the end of an era for New Quay RNLI, but his legacy of courage, dedication, and community spirit will undoubtedly inspire future generations of volunteers at the station.
