These boots are made for lifesaving... if they can be found

Mark Humphreys, 19, joined the crew at Criccieth, north Wales, four months ago, but cannot go out because he lacks the proper size 16 boots.

The RNLI is appealing for non-slip steel top-capped wellingtons.

They will ensure he can follow in the lifeboatman's footsteps of both his father and grandfather.

"It is a very big problem," he said.

Without the kit, the crew would not be properly prepared Richard Humphreys

"Everyone else has a dry suit with boots attached, but all I have is a dry suit with some special socks.

"At the moment, I can't go out on boats."

"I would be so grateful if anyone could help - carrying on my family tradition by volunteering with the RNLI means so much to me."

He admitted that finding shoes to fit was not a new experience.

"I do have problems getting trainers - I have to go to a shopping park in England to get them."

He also had trouble finding football or rugby boots while at school.

The RNLI has made Mr Humphreys a special dry-suit, without the wellingtons, but it is not enough to allow him to go out on calls.

His father Richard Humphreys, who has been a crew member at Criccieth for 28 years, is also a training co-ordinator at the station.

'It is essential volunteers are kitted out with the correct clothing and equipment," he said.

"Without the kit, the crew would not be properly prepared when facing the dangerous conditions that the sea so often offers up during rescues."