Welcome Andy Squirell
Our latest writer is Andy, commonly known as Squirrell, the owner of a Highfield Patrol 600 aptly named Nutkin.
Andy has grown up in and on the waters of South West England.
A competitive sea swimmer in Dorset led to training to be a Canoe Lifeguard, effectively moving from competing to supporting.
This move was obviously the right thing. The next 35 years were spent on the National Committee for British Canoe Lifeguards and the Royal Lifesaving Society.
These efforts helped shape UK lifeguarding and safety processes in use at events today.
Aquatic Safety Officer
Aquatic Safety Officer is a title often used for Andy.
He holds this title at World Cups, World Championships, UK Ironman races, and Festival of the Seas.
Virtually every conceivable event, from a duck race to an Olympic Games, has been supported in one way or another.
This support even includes the odd music festival as a medical director. But that’s another story!
It was only a matter of time until ribs came along as part of the tool set.
Working at the Weymouth Sailing Centre as a water sports instructor provided powerboat qualifications.
It also offered powerboat instructor qualifications via BSAC.
The rescue kayaks rarely get wet these days. Most weekends, Andy can be found afloat on his Highfield Patrol 600.
The winter is spent as the Safety Lead for the Winter Series of Cornish Pilot Gig Racing.
OCRDA and Cowes–Torquay–Cowes fill the powerboat racing calendar. Occasionally, UKOPRA and UIM events are mixed in.
Events such as the Great River Race bring a different view to the Thames. You know the Highfield Patrol has been the lead boat. This is especially true if you’ve seen posts or blogs on social cruises.
These include The Annual Pasty Run/Hunt, The SW Culinary Tour, Gin and Biscuits, Autumn Colours, or Ice Cream and Chips. Andy is at the helm with his ever suffering crew.
Our new author has been instrumental in organising some of the UK’s biggest events. These include a sea swim, rowing race, powerboat race, or social cruise. They bring a wealth of experience to these pages.
Meet more RIBs ONLY authors: Robin Kilroy (aka VISTATREKKER) and Roy Anderson (rib-adventure.no).