Dart RNLI seeks Visitor Centre volunteers

And there is another team vital to the Dart Lifeboat. Stroll along the South Embankment, and you will discover the RNLI Visitor Centre and Shop, sporting fabulous views over the mouth of the river.

This band of volunteers work hard to try and keep the shop open for crucial fundraising every day of the week.

Drop in to pick up the perfect gift or souvenir, homewares, clothing, treats, toys, greeting cards and much more.

There is also a retired D-Class Lifeboat for youngsters – and some adults - to look around, dress up as crew and climb in.

The Visitor Centre and team are managed by volunteer Deborah Tate, and she explains how the shifts at the shop can be so rewarding.

The VC is on the lookout for new volunteers, and Deborah says it’s a fabulous way to help the RNLI cause of saving lives at sea.

‘It’s a fabulous place to be,’ says Deborah, a volunteer for three years and manager for the last two.

‘I’ve been in Dartmouth for four years now, and you meet so many people at the VC, and it’s really fabulous to meet so many different people every day.

‘It keeps my skill set going having to deal with so many aspects. You’re also putting something back into the community, and at the same time you know what a great cause you are working for.’

Deborah’s volunteers have a far wider remit than selling the RNLI branded goods. They are also on hand to answer questions about the boats, the crew’s kit, the history, guide people towards the new Lifeboat Station, and help the youngsters dress up in replica kit.

‘They have such amazing imaginations, and come out with fantastic stories of why they are pretending to rescue; it can be very entertaining.

‘But all the while we know we are helping get the charity’s messages across, and what the RNLI stands for.’

One of the highlights of the year for the VC team came during the Royal Regatta. The RNLI volunteers put on a display using both lifeboats, and the response was incredible.

‘There were three of us on duty that afternoon and we nearly had to close the doors,’ adds Deborah. ‘There were so many people coming in before and after the demo. It shows how much support there is for the RNLI, both from locals and from visitors.’

Deborah manages a team of around 25, and volunteers can choose to work full days, part days or even a few hours at a time. They also organise pop-up stalls at fetes and local events, often working alongside the Water Safety Team.

‘We can be very flexible and it’s easy to fit into the team,' she added.

‘We have some volunteers who have been here since the VC opened in 2015, while others come and go.

‘And it’s not just a role for retired people; it’s something positive to add to the CV, experience in retail, and how to use the till and communicate with the public.’

To find out more about volunteering, drop into the VC, call on 01803 832423, or send a message via Facebook, Dartmouth-Visitor-Centre-Shop

RNLI Media Contacts

For further information, please contact:

Dom Hart, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for RNLI South West, [email protected]

Kyle Reed, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for South West England, 07786 668847, [email protected]

Amy Caldwell, RNLI Regional Communications Lead for South West England, 07920 818807, [email protected]

RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789, [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.