Walmer volunteers join the first South-East RNLI Women in SAR event
Last Saturday, 28 February, two representatives from Walmer joined with over 60 women representing 24 other South-East lifeboat stations for the inaugural RNLI Women in Search and Rescue (SAR) event in Shoreham by Sea.
The event brought together volunteers from lifeboat stations across the region to share experiences, develop skills and strengthen the network of women working in search and rescue.
The day opened with a video message from Sarah Psaila of New Zealand Coastguard, who offered an international perspective on women working in maritime search and rescue. She provided insight, encouragement and advice on those progressing within the SAR sector and spoke about how diversity brings strength to this sector.
Volunteer Welfare Manager Jane Brophy led a workshop where discussions were held about the welfare and mental health support, including TRiM (Trauma Risk Management) that is available to crew and stations. Crew member Vicky Ward joined with other volunteers in attending a number of the days programme of shore-based workshops led by Coastal Lifeboat Trainers. These included casualty recovery, navigation and emergency procedures.
Both Jane and Vicky agreed how valuable the event was, enabling them to spend time and sharing experiences and knowledge with other lifeboat volunteers from across the region. Vicky added: ‘Although we come from different stations and backgrounds, we share a common goal. It was a brilliant opportunity to meet and build networks with those who share the same commitment to saving lives at sea.’
Notes to editors
Walmer lifeboat station was established in 1856.
It currently operates two inshore lifeboats – a B Class Atlantic 85 Hounslow Branch and a smaller D Class Duggie Rodbard II.
Crews have received 28 Awards for Gallantry
To find out more about Walmer lifeboat station go to https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeboat-stations/walmer-lifeboat-station
RNLI media contacts
- Chris Winslade, Lifeboat Press Officer, Walmer Lifeboat Station on 01304 374475 or 07906 623037 [email protected]
- Julie Rainey, RNLI Regional Communications Lead on 07827 358256 [email protected]
- Jess Curtis, RNLI Regional Communications Manager (London/East/South East) on 07724 801305 [email protected]
- For enquiries outside normal business hours, contact the RNLI duty press officer on 01202 336789 or [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.
Learn more about the RNLI
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.