‘You Guys Are Hardcore’: Australian Lifesaver Visits St Agnes RNLI

Vanessa Ebsworth, a volunteer with the Australian Coastguard, made a memorable visit to St Agnes RNLI lifeboat station, strengthening international ties between lifesaving crews. Vanessa, who serves with the Paynesville Flotilla in Victoria, Australia, brought an official cap from her crew as a gesture of goodwill.

A Symbolic Exchange

During her tour of the lifeboat station, Vanessa exchanged the cap with RNLI lifeboat press officer Tom Knight, who presented her with an official RNLI beanie in return. The exchange symbolised the shared commitment to saving lives at sea, despite the geographical distance between their operations.

‘Hardcore’ Lifesaving in Cornwall

Vanessa, originally from Cornwall and with family still living in St Agnes, was impressed by the lifesaving kit used by the volunteer crew. Commenting on the D-class inshore lifeboat and the challenges faced by the crew, she remarked:

“You guys are hardcore. We wear caps, you wear helmets!”

Photo: If the cap fits… Photo Credit: RNLI/Tom Knight

From Cornwall to Australia’s Heatwave

Vanessa’s visit comes to an end as she returned to Australia yesterday. However, the RNLI beanie she received is unlikely to see much use, as temperatures in Victoria have soared to 38°C during a heatwave.

Vanessa’s visit highlights the global bonds formed through lifesaving work, reinforcing the dedication shared by volunteers worldwide.

Photo: Lifeboat volunteers Vanessa and Tom exchange caps. Photo Credit: RNLI/Tom Knight