A FLYING visit to lifeboat stations in Gwynedd has been paid by the retiring chief executive of the RNLI.

Paul Bossier visited Criccieth, Porthdinllaen, Abersoch and Pwllheli lifeboat houses last week on what was probably his last official visit. He will be retiring later this year 10 years after taking the helm of the charity. He also visited the RNLI’s regional headquarters at St Asaph.

Paul said: “For the last 10 years I have had the privilege of serving as the Chief Executive of this brave, complicated and historic charity. In an uncertain world, we have continued to provide an outstanding service to the public, while modernising the organisation itself and strengthening the RNLI for any challenges that may lie ahead.

“During this period, I have had the opportunity to meet and work with some of the most impressive and quietly courageous people that I have ever met. The job has been challenging, humbling and heart-warming in equal measure, and I now look forward to handing the mantle to my successor – someone who will help the RNLI continue its noble lifesaving work into the future.”

During the last 10 years, the RNLI has maintained its place as one of the world’s foremost maritime rescue organisations, but at the same time it has worked hard to modernise, and to make itself more resilient in the face of an uncertain future.

This modernising journey has focused on making sure that the charity does the right thing: providing the best lifeboats and equipment for its crew members; fundraising in a way that respects the wishes of individual supporters; and building an organisational culture that is both inclusive and respectful.