It is a great honour to have been invited to be the patron of the Jersey Lifeboat Association.

During my time as Bailiff, I was privileged to see at first hand the many and varied charitable activities which so many people in Jersey participate in and support in the spirit of helping others or the community generally.

The JLA is an outstanding example of this spirit in action. The members of the lifeboat crew, who are all local volunteers, stand ready at a moment’s notice to drop what they are doing and head out to sea in order to help a vessel in distress. Call-outs can often occur when the sea is at its most angry, yet the crew will venture out into what may be very hostile conditions in order to save lives and provide assistance. They are an example to us all.

As a boat owner myself, it is of enormous comfort when out at sea to know that a well trained and skilled lifeboat crew is ready to come to the rescue if things go wrong. As an island with a strong seafaring tradition, it is right that Jersey should have its own lifeboat service.

The costs of providing and maintaining a lifeboat are substantial and the JLA depends for its survival upon charitable donations. I commend it as a worthy recipient of any support, whether financial or as a volunteer, which you feel able to offer.

Sir Michael Birt.