Get involved

​Imagine for a moment that you’re part of the crew on a lifeboat. It’s 2.30am on a freezing January morning and the pager’s just woken you from a deep sleep in a snug warm bed. You then head out to sea in complete darkness and 10m waves rise and fall around you, ready to swamp you at any moment. Strong gale force winds throw the lifeboat around like a toy. A fishing trawler is in difficulties 23 miles out to sea.

Still want to volunteer? Read on…


Our crew members need to:

• be over 17 (with the permission of your parents) or over 18 years old
• be under 45 years old (inshore lifeboat) or 55 (all-weather lifeboat) 
• pass a medical and eyesight test
• be physically fit
• live and/or work close to a lifeboat station 
• pass a probationary period that usually lasts for one year
• be a team player and be accepted by the rest of the crew
• enjoy hard physical work
• get on well with other people
• communicate easily
• obey orders when required to.

Being part of a lifeboat crew is a major commitment, which could include risking your life. Your commitment isn't only measured in the time spent involved in rescues. Increasingly, new equipment and faster boats mean that regular training programmes also account for much of your spare time. You may also be asked to help show visitors around the station and with local fundraising.

What’s in it for you?

The RNLI provides first class training and equipment, guidance and support. Volunteering with us offers you the opportunity to make a difference in your local community, to save lives and be part of the larger RNLI family. We can offer you one of the most exciting and fulfilling volunteer roles available.

Still interested?

If the thrill of a shout and being part of a close-knit team appeal to you, and you have the spare time required to make a commitment, then contact your local lifeboat station. Each individual lifeboat station deals with its own recruitment. Contact the station directly by phone or by going down to the station. Find your nearest lifeboat station, contact the Volunteer Lifeboat Operations Manager to find out more about the station and available places on the crew.

If you have any further queries then contact us.

There are two different operational lifeguarding roles that a volunteer can undertake, they are:

Volunteer Lifeguard

This role is for anyone that holds a current and recognised Beach Lifeguard qualification and can meet the RNLI fitness standards. You will undertake full lifeguarding duties including water based rescue and patrolling. Read more about Fitness Standards before completing an enrolment form. For more information and to apply.

Lifeguard Support Volunteer

This role is for anyone that holds a current and recognised Lifeguard Support award or someone holding a current and recognised lifeguard qualification that can not meet the RNLI Lifeguard fitness standards. You will undertake land-based duties such as providing observational support, radio communications and dealing with first aid incidents. For more information and to apply.

​You don’t have to get wet to save lives at sea!

We appreciate our supporters lead busy lives, and may want to help when it’s most convenient to them. ‘Deck Hands’ are RNLI volunteers who want to get involved in volunteering for our lifesaving charity but can’t always offer a regular commitment.

Unlike our volunteer crews who receive their call of action by pager, you’ll be alerted to our request for help by email or mobile phone. We’ll let you know of volunteering opportunities local to you, where we really need the extra support. Our ‘alerts’ may have an immediate need (ie help at an event this coming weekend) or at a stated time in the near future. We promise not to contact you more than once a month.

In return, you’ll have the opportunity to get involved in our rewarding lifesaving work, meet a whole bunch of new people and learn some skills along the way.

So if you can spare an hour or more, we'd love to hear from you

Sign up to be a Deckhand

What you could be involved in

​	Street, store and event collections How much can you collect with a winning smile and a bucket in 2 hours? You'd be amazed - well over £100 is not uncommon! The RNLI conducts street collections in towns and cities, and at the entrance to well-known shop chains, railway stations and large public events​
​	RNLI running event, marshalling and support At RNLI-organised running events we always need help to ensure participants take the right route, to cheer them on, hand out water and refreshments at the finish line, make the tea, staff the cloakroom, you name it! RNLI Summer Sprints and Reindeer Runs in the late Autumn are staged across the UK and Republic of Ireland – there's probably one near you!​
​	Helping hands at other events At exhibitions, RNLI lifeboat station open days, nautical events and black tie events we always need helping hands in roles such as setting up tents and marquees, staffing stalls, taking entrance fees, selling programmes, answering queries, giving directions, serving refreshments and face painters to name but a few! Whether you can help us for a day, an evening or just a couple of hours - you can make a real difference to the smooth running of the event.​
	Pre-event marketing Can you help promote an event and drum up support and commitment to these activities at local networking groups, social events or through poster distribution? ​
​	Photographers/camera operators Good with a lens? The images you capture of our events could be of great value to the RNLI for publicity and future event materials and marketing. Full credit would be given for any images used in this way.​

Skills to shout about?

If you have other skills you want to shout about, let one of our team know at the event you’re helping at and we’ll see if there are further opportunities for you to get involved in our lifesaving work.

​Ever wondered what happens behind the scenes at a lifesaving charity?

RNLI 12–week voluntary internships are an ideal opportunity for enthusiastic individuals who want to use their skills within a national charity to help save lives at sea.

We offer voluntary internships in our offices around the UK and the RoI three times a year: Spring (February–April), Summer (June–August) and Autumn (September–December).

As an intern you’ll be recruited for a specific role or project, and during your placement will receive training and development to ensure that you’re gaining the most out of the experience too.

'I would strongly recommend the Internship programme to anyone looking to understand what its like to work for a charity and to gain valuable experience for their CV. I have now been offered a role as Area Fundraising Manager at another leading charity and the Internship has, without a doubt, helped me to secure this role. Thank you for the opportunity to work for the RNLI – it’s been fantastic!'

Laura Hickman-Sparkes

Get in touch with the RNLI’s Volunteering Team for more information. 

View internship volunteer opportunities.