GP Dr Lexi Obee-Kendall becomes Mudeford RNLI’s first female tractor driver, launching and recovering the lifeboat
A LOCAL GP was on the crest of a wave as she became Mudeford RNLI’s first female tractor driver, launching and recovering the lifeboat and its crew.
Inspired by a passion for the sea and a desire to contribute to her coastal community’s safety, Dr Lexi Obee-Kendall had joined the station in 2019 as a lifeboat medical advisor.
But, after her love for the sea and the RNLI grew rapidly, she trained and recently successfully passed out as a lifeboat tractor driver.
The challenging role often involves deploying and recovering the craft in severe sea and weather conditions.
“I've always been an avid sea swimmer, and the opportunity to join the RNLI was something I couldn’t pass up,” Lexi said.
“A couple of weeks after joining, I attended a training session, and I saw the tractor driver launching the lifeboat and crew. I immediately knew I wanted to do that too!”
Balancing her life as a single mum to two daughters, a doctor, and now a trained lifeboat tractor driver, she enjoys the challenge of doing something completely different.
She continued: “As a coastal GP, I feel a deep sense of responsibility for the well-being of that community and volunteering with Mudeford RNLI is my way of giving something back.
“I want to thank my fellow crew members for all their support and encouragement during my time at the station. I couldn’t have done it without them, and I feel very proud to be a part of such a great team.
“Recently, we have seen more women volunteering for all types of roles at the station from shore crew to helm.
“As the first female tractor driver at the station, I hope more women feel confident to join and make a real difference saving lives at sea.”
Congratulating Lexi, lifeboat operations manager Steve Doe said: “The role of tractor driver is essential and carries a huge responsibility as the drivers launch and recover the lifeboat and crew.
“It is no easy task, often done under huge pressure and in challenging sea and weather conditions.”
