The RNLI is looking to recruit extra volunteers in Cumbria and on the Solway

The charity has a variety of fulfilling roles available including volunteer crew members, fundraisers, shop volunteers and Community Safety Officers.*

Heather Malkin, RNLI Volunteer Advisor, explained: ‘The main focus of our recruitment campaign is to find extra volunteer crew members to join our dedicated teams.

‘New recruits will receive comprehensive ongoing training which will equip them to embrace the rewarding challenge of saving lives at sea. They’ll also attend regular training exercises and learn vital skills to help them contribute towards the essential upkeep of the lifeboat.

‘Applicants don’t need any previous maritime experience but should have a good level of fitness and enjoy being part of a team. Our crew members take real pride in fulfilling a valuable and vital role within their local communities and we’re really looking forward to hearing from like-minded people.’

The RNLI is also hoping to recruit extra people to help in its lifeboat station shops and to volunteer as fundraisers. There is also an opportunity to join the team as a Volunteer Community Safety Officer.

Heather further explained: ‘We’re seeking enthusiastic people who may have some spare time and are looking for a new challenge. Our shop volunteers gain valuable experience in areas such as customer service, stock display and cash handling and our fundraisers help to organise fun events and raise money within the local community.

‘We’re also looking to recruit people who are interested in volunteering as Community Safety Officers. This involves working with local lifeboat stations to help develop lifesaving plans to reduce preventable incidents within local coastal and inland waterways.*

‘Full training is given for all our roles and it’s a great way to meet new friends and enhance your CV while helping to raise vital funds and awareness for our lifesaving charity.’

For more information about the individual opportunities, please email: [email protected] or apply online at: www.rnli.org/volroles

Notes to editors

*The RNLI lifeboat stations at Silloth, St Bees, Workington, Kippford and Kirkcudbright are all looking to recruit extra volunteer crew members.

*The RNLI stations with shop volunteering opportunities are Silloth and Kippford.

*RNLI Volunteer Community Safety Officer roles are available at Silloth, Kippford and Workington RNLIs.

*RNLI all-weather lifeboat crew must live or work within three miles of the lifeboat station and be between the ages of 17 and 65.

*RNLI inshore lifeboat crew must live or work within three miles of the lifeboat station and be between the ages of 17 and 55.

RNLI Picture captions
1. The photograph shows Silloth RNLI in action. Credit: RNLI.
2. The photograph shows an RNLI fundraising collection. Credit: RNLI.

RNLI media contacts
For more information, please contact Sue Kent, RNLI Volunteer Press Officer at Silloth RNLI on: 07825 742966. Or, Clare Hopps, RNLI Press Officer, North, on 07824 518641 or at [email protected]

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI charity 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 146,000 lives.

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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.