Trailblazing Women in SAR initiative comes to Eyemouth, St Abbs and Dunbar

A full weekend of afloat and shore-based exercises, skills workshops and shared learning is planned to connect, inspire and support women involved in maritime rescue. Host stations Dunbar and Eyemouth RNLI and St Abbs Independent Lifeboat will welcome 42 delegates from around Scotland for exercises on four lifeboats, while inspirational speakers and activity leaders will provide workshops onshore.

The initiative is the second of its kind in Scotland, after an inaugural event in Inverness last year. Launched in 2019 by the International Maritime Rescue Federation (IMRF), Women in SAR (WISAR) is a global movement open to all lifeboat stations, including the RNLI and independent operations.

Jill Hepburn, Head of Region for RNLI Scotland, said: ‘We come together from across the RNLI and wider SAR family, to get afloat and build our operational skills, but more importantly to meet our peers and build connections, share knowledge and experiences, spark ideas and learn from each other all whilst taking the opportunity for some good healthy discussions and feedback. The success of WISAR has been in creating the space and support to move the agenda and opportunity out to our regions, growing from grass roots led by willing volunteers and supported by regional staff. I am delighted that we are welcoming St Abbs Lifeboat to join us, as WISAR isn’t just about RNLI volunteers but a far more encompassing international programme.’

Among the delegates taking part from the three host stations is Gina Holt, 37, an ambulance technician who joined Dunbar RNLI in January. She said: ‘My inspiration for joining was the sad passing of my friend and fellow crew member, Kerry Gentle. I had always been in awe of the work the RNLI does, and I was immensely proud of Kerry for volunteering. Seeing how passionate she was about it and how happy it made her was incredibly inspiring.

‘I had been too scared to take that step but, after Kerry passed away, friends encouraged me to put my worries aside and go for it. Since joining, the team has been incredibly supportive and I feel very lucky to have joined them.’

Attending from St Abbs Independent Lifeboat is Julie McBirnie, 62, who joined four years ago when she retired as a consultant orthopaedic surgeon in Edinburgh. Julie said: ’The lifeboat is the heart of our lovely little village and to be part of it has been one of the biggest honours of my life. I feel so incredibly proud when I put my suit on and get on the boat and the team that work around me, both on and off the boat, are like a second family. I feel very fortunate having retired from what was an amazing career to be able to still contribute to society and be part of this fantastic institution. Our team here at St Abbs are a very special bunch and I would literally trust them all with my life.’

Caroline White, 45, a veterinary nurse, was inspired to join Eyemouth RNLI crew earlier this year after son Aidan, currently the youngest crew member at the station, signed up.

She said: ‘Seeing his enthusiasm for being part of the crew made me want to get involved myself. I thought it would be a great opportunity to challenge myself, learn new skills and give something back to the local community. I’ve really enjoyed it so far. I’ve felt incredibly supported throughout my training and have been made to feel part of the team from the beginning. In a relatively short space of time, I’ve already been learning lots of new skills, including navigation and rope work, which has been both challenging and rewarding.

‘I’m also hoping that the skills and experience I’ve gained through my career as a veterinary nurse – like staying calm under pressure, communicating well and working as part of a team – will be transferable and allow me to bring something valuable to the team. I’ve never felt that I’ve been treated any differently because I’m a woman. I’ve felt very welcomed, encouraged and supported by everyone in the crew. There’s a real sense of teamwork, and everyone is there to learn from each other and work towards the same goal.’

Notes to editors

· Established in 1808, 16 years before the formation of the RNLI, Dunbar Lifeboat Station is one of the oldest in Scotland and is located on the south side of the mouth of the Firth of Forth.

· Since its formation, its volunteer crews have been honoured with 12 awards for gallantry.

· It operates two lifeboats – the Trent class all-weather lifeboat (ALB) John Neville Taylor, moored at Torness Power Station, and the D-class inshore lifeboat (ILB) David Lauder, which launches from Dunbar Harbour.

· A file photo of Dunbar’s lifeboats can be viewed here.

RNLI Media Contacts

For further information, please contact:

Douglas Wight, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for RNLI Scotland, [email protected]

Wendy Lorimer, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for RNLI Scotland, [email protected]

Richard Smith, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for Scotland, 07826 900639, [email protected]

Martin Macnamara, RNLI Regional Communications Lead for Scotland, 07920 365929, [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.

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