Poole RNLI volunteer Dave Riley attends Buckingham Palace

Dedicated volunteer and helm, Dave Riley, had the privilege of attending a Royal Garden party at Buckingham Palace.

Dave, who is best known as “Smiley Riley” to his colleagues, received an invite to the garden party after being nominated by Angus Campbell, the Lord-Lieutenant of Dorset.

Dave attended the event on Tuesday, May 21, with his partner, Debra Warren.

Having volunteered since he was 17, Dave moved from Eastbourne to Poole Lifeboat station where he has saved lives at sea and trained press officers from 238 other lifeboat stations for the past eight years.

At Poole lifeboat station, Dave serves as one of the busiest helms and is the deputy lifeboat press officer.

Additionally, he has worked for the RNLI for almost 20 years and currently holds the position of national media officer.

Press officer Anne-Marie Clark was also among those who were invited to the Palace to celebrate the RNLI’s landmark 200th anniversary.

Her husband, Jonathan Clark, also volunteers for Poole Lifeboat. He follows in the footsteps of his father as the second generation of his family to volunteer for the RNLI, with his daughter becoming the third.

Anne Marie said: “The role Dave and I serve in promoting the RNLI is very important, and the King’s decision to carry on royal patience is a great way to acknowledge how hard we work.”

“Without helms like Dave, we would never reach the calibre needed to work together,” she added. “Skills faded after COVID, and our work allows constant training so we can meet certain standards.”

She said her loved ones are proud of the dedication that she and her family contribute to the life-saving charity.

Jonathan called it an honour to “be there when somebody really needs you”, and that he works for the charity to save lives “because he can”.

The RNLI are constantly searching for new volunteers. Details of how to support the charity can be found on its website.

King Charles has followed his mother in becoming patron of the RNLI.