29/05/2026
Volunteer crew member Dr Rupert Turberville-Smith has achieved a significant milestone at RNLI Weymouth Lifeboat Station after successfully passing out as an Inshore Lifeboat (ILB) Tier 2 crew member.
The achievement marks Rupert as a fully competent operational crew member aboard the station’s inshore lifeboat following nearly two years of dedicated training, assessments and operational experience.
For Rupert, who has worked as a GP in Weymouth since 1999 and is Senior GP Partner at Bridges Medical Practice, joining the lifeboat crew was something he had quietly considered for many years.
“I’d thought about it on and off in the past,” he explained. “But with work and family life, I honestly thought I was probably too old to start and that the opportunity had passed.”
However, a sailing trip with his family in 2024 unexpectedly reignited the ambition after Rupert came across two paddleboarders and their dog being swept offshore near Lulworth Cove. “They were a long way out and clearly struggling,” he recalled. “We were preparing to help when the Weymouth inshore lifeboat arrived. Seeing the volunteer RNLI crew in action really brought home how important the service is.”
Shortly afterwards, Weymouth RNLI advertised for new volunteer crew members. “It just felt like everything came together at the right moment,” Rupert said. “So, I applied, half expecting them to say I was too old.” Instead, Rupert was invited to interview before beginning his training journey at the station.
Like all new volunteer crew, Rupert initially joined as shore crew, spending several months supporting station operations while both he and the station assessed whether the role was the right fit. “That early period is really important,” he explained. “It gives you time to understand the commitment and for the crew to get to know you as well.”
After completing the RNLI Sea Survival course, Rupert became operational at sea and began attending training exercises and live shouts. Training to Tier 2 level involves mastering a wide range of practical skills, emergency procedures and casualty care competencies, all while operating safely in challenging conditions.
For Rupert, one of the biggest adjustments was stepping into a completely unfamiliar environment and learning an entirely new set of skills. “At this stage in life, it’s actually quite humbling,” he said. “You’re learning a completely new skillset with a new group of people and starting again as the junior person. But everyone here is incredibly supportive and the training is extremely well structured.”
Although Rupert brings decades of medical experience to the station, he was keen to stress that volunteering for the RNLI meant becoming a crew member first and foremost. “At the interview they said very clearly, ‘We’re taking you on as volunteer crew, not as a doctor,’ and I completely understood that,” he said. “It’s important to learn the RNLI protocols and operational procedures, and to work effectively as part of the team.” Rupert has since completed the RNLI’s casualty care course, ensuring he can operate within RNLI medical protocols during incidents at sea.
He admits the role carries responsibility and commitment, both personally and for family life, with volunteer crew members often remaining close to Weymouth and ready to respond to emergency pagers. “It’s definitely a commitment for the whole family,” he said. “But what makes it worthwhile is knowing you’re doing something genuinely important.”
Rupert says one of the aspects he enjoys most is the unique combination of teamwork and professionalism. “You’re constantly training, learning new skills and working alongside experienced people in a really supportive environment. It’s an incredible thing to be part of.” Now officially passed out as ILB Tier 2 crew, Rupert hopes his story might encourage others, particularly those later in their careers, to consider volunteering.
“You’re never too old to learn something new,” he said. “The RNLI needs people from all walks of life and different experiences. It’s demanding, but it’s also one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done.”
If you’re interested in becoming part of the RNLI family and making a difference in your local community, find out more about current volunteering opportunities at https://rnli.org/support-us/volunteer/volunteering-opportunities.
