Dunmore East RNLI has marked a historic milestone with the appointment of its first female all-weather lifeboat coxswain.

Raina Freiberg has become the first woman to qualify for the role at the County Waterford lifeboat station, following two years of training.

A coxswain is responsible for commanding a lifeboat and its crew during rescue operations at sea, overseeing the safety of those on board and coordinating lifesaving efforts.

The achievement marks a significant first for Dunmore East RNLI, with Raina hoping her success will encourage more women to take on roles within the organisation.

Speaking following her qualification, Raina said she was delighted to have reached the milestone.

“I’m absolutely delighted to have passed out as Coxswain. It’s been a challenging but hugely rewarding two years of training, and I couldn’t have reached this point without the encouragement and support of everyone at Dunmore East Lifeboat Station.

“I’m very lucky to be part of such a fantastic team of volunteers, and I’m incredibly grateful to them all.”

Raina said becoming the first female coxswain at the station was a particularly proud moment and expressed hope that her achievement would inspire others.

“Being the first female Coxswain at Dunmore East is something I’m very proud of, and I hope it might encourage other women to consider taking on roles within the RNLI.

“I’m also one of two Women in Lifesaving Leads, a role that’s about supporting, encouraging and empowering women across the organisation to develop their skills, build confidence and take on new challenges.”

The role involves supporting women across the RNLI to develop their abilities, gain confidence and pursue new opportunities within the lifesaving organisation.

Looking ahead to her new responsibilities, Raina emphasised the importance of teamwork and trust when responding to emergencies at sea.

“At the end of the day, being a Coxswain is about teamwork, trust and being ready to help save lives at sea.

“I’m really looking forward to taking on this new responsibility alongside a crew I have enormous respect for.”

Her qualification marks a new chapter for Dunmore East RNLI and a milestone for female representation at the lifeboat station.