A local lifeboat crew member has become a social media sensation after giving it some ‘main character energy’ during a Gen Z speak, guided video tour of the lifeboat station.

Station mechanic at St Davids Lifeboat station, Mike Chant, 59, stars in an Instagram reel where he gives a tour of the station using slang and expressions from popular culture, made popular by sites such as TikTok and YouTube shorts. 

The reel has so far had 250,000 views and growing, with over 12,000 positive engagements and much love for Mike and the RNLI.

Some of the feedback so far includes: “Your man did an exceptional job on this; This is the best one by far! Brilliant delivery; This now lives rent free in my mind; Mike is so cool I love his vibe and this is my very favourite thing so far today.”

The reel is entitled ‘when you let the Gen Z marketing staff write your script’ and is delivered by Mike in a deadpan way with a hint of mischievous humour and the flicker of a smile.

“We got the idea from Currys tiktok. We saw other organisations jumping on the trend successfully and knew it could work for us,” said RNLI media engagement officer Anya Walton.

“We’re always on the lookout for trends that we can utilise that will help us reach new audiences and help us to show who we are and what we’re about – and things that people will remember when they next walk past a station, see an orange boat, a fundraiser or an RNLI shop.

“Raising awareness with, and activating younger supporters is a high priority for. This trend aims to help us reach new people, and to show off the RNLI – our stations, our kit, our merchandise etc, in an entertaining and educational way.”

Anya filmed the reel with Mike, which includes a tour of the crew kit, a look at the boat, the souvenir shop and the crew lounge at St Davids Lifeboat Station.

“It was a real giggle reading the script to him and seeing the puzzled look on his face,” said Anya.

“There was a lot of me explaining what it was that he was actually saying. Mike was such a good sport, he’s a social media sensation.

“It’s always a pleasure to work with our volunteers and teams at lifeboat stations and beaches to make content – and it gives our followers on social media a sense of what it’s like to be part of the RNLI family in an authentic and relatable way."

Anya said that they were all ‘blown away’ by the response.

“The first video has been such a hit, we may have to film a sequel,” she added.

You can watch the video by clicking on the embed above.

For those non-Gen Zers among you here is the script of the reel and the Western Telegraph’s attempt to translate it:

“Hi besties. Want to see something truly lit? This is going to live rent free in your minds.

“Our drip is on fleek, no cap. We’re looking Gucci in any situation. Our fits are always on point.

“The crew? Bratz energy. Lifesaving rizz. Slay, this whip is fire AF. It’s giving lifesaving.

“The post shout brew is giving me life. No gassin’. Low key essential for recharging after that pager goes off.

“The RNLI shop is a whole mood, ate and left no crumbs. All the merch is straight up iconic. I can’t even. I’m literally screaming. I’m obsessed.

“Alright fam. That’s a wrap. Bye besties.”

Which roughly translates as:

“Hi close and trusted friends. Do you want to see something truly excellent? You won’t forget this.

“Our cool awesome and stylish clothing is exactly right. No lie. We are looking cool in any situation. Our outfits are always perfect.

“The crew? They have bold, real, audacious and trendsetting energy. Lifesaving charisma. How impressive, this really nice vehicle is very outstanding.

“I like the post shout cup of tea very much, no exaggeration. It is secretly essential for recharging after that pager goes off.

“The RNLI shop is totally perfect. All the merchandise is truly memorable. It’s too amazing, it’s an extremely good buy. I can’t stop thinking about it.

“Alright my people. We’ve finished now. Bye close and trusted friends.”