Volunteers needed as Port Talbot RNLI Lifeboat Press Officers say farewell

Port Talbot RNLI are looking for a new Lifeboat Press Officer (LPO) and Social Media Officer to join the team.

Ceri says: ‘No two days are the same as station LPO – that’s what makes it such a fun and interesting volunteer role.

‘It often starts with the pager, then the incident is ongoing as you are gathering all the facts, before finally pulling together the content, photos and quotes and publishing it to the media.’

Kirstee says: ‘Port Talbot RNLI has a fabulous team of volunteers, from the shop, to fundraising, to operations – and all these roles need someone to shine a light on the lifesaving work they do. That’s why the LPO and SMO roles are so important.’

The roles have a structured training plan and modules to complete, with full support from a dedicated volunteer manager. Kirstee says:

‘If you want a dynamic and diverse volunteering role and you’re not afraid to get stuck in, this is the perfect opportunity.

‘This year we also celebrate 60 years of Port Talbot Lifeboat Station, so it’s a fantastic time to join and be part of the celebration.’

These roles help the RNLI save lives at sea by raising awareness of the charity, through promoting lifeboat station activity via local, digital and social media. Port Talbot Lifeboat Station operate a D class inshore lifeboat. Ceri says:

‘Being LPO means you are the voice of the station, the best part of the role is you get to showcase the outstanding work of all volunteers that make up our one crew – not just the lifeboat crew who go to sea.

Clive Morris, Lifeboat Operations Manager at Port Talbot, says:

‘Ceri and Kirstee have done a fantastic job as joint LPOs for our station over the last few years. They have significantly raised our profile by highlighting our lifesaving work and all the wider activity of our one crew, including the Water Safety Team and wonderful RNLI Shop and fundraisers. We’re delighted they are both staying on at the station in other volunteer roles.

‘Becoming our next Lifeboat Press Officer and Social Media officer is an exciting opportunity to play a crucial part in helping to save lives at sea and make a positive impact in our community. And we have our 60^th anniversary celebrations this year too with lots of local activity taking place!’

Enthusiastic people with an interest in writing, communications, media and storytelling should apply. Although no formal training or experience in these areas is required, just a willingness to engage, learn and contribute something special.

Kirstee says: ‘I would encourage anyone with an interest to apply; there is so much to gain from the roles and joining the Port Talbot RNLI family where you will meet new people and make a real difference.’

For further details, click on the link below to find out more and how to apply:

Lifeboat Press Officer – Port Talbot RNLI

Social Media Officer – Port Talbot RNLI

RNLI Media Contacts
For more information, please contact RNLI Regional Communications Manager, Claire Fitzpatrick-Smith, on [email protected] / 07977 728 315. Alternatively you can contact the RNLI Press Office on [email protected].

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,700 lives.

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For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.