Exmouth RNLI recruiting additional volunteers after a successful 2018

Coxswain, Steve Hockings-Thompson commented:

‘2018 was one of the busiest years for our volunteers, since I took over as Coxswain at Exmouth. As well as the services, we have had an intensive period of training that has allowed us to successfully pass out a new batch of shore crew and some additional new Shannon launch and recovery drivers. I would like thank not only the volunteers, but their families for their dedication throughout the year, that enables us to operate to the standard that the RNLI requires of its volunteers.’

In 2018, Exmouth Lifeboat Fundraising Team raised a total of £73,327.19 which included £10,000 from the Fish and Chip Ball, organised by the newly-formed Events Team. 25 volunteer Tour Guides showed 5,812 visitors around the station which notably increased donations in the collection boxes. The Shop took £95,071 and was the 12^th busiest in the RNLI and third in the Channel region.

Simon Davidson, Chair of the Exmouth Lifeboat Management Group praised the volunteers:

‘Our volunteers have put in an enormous amount of effort and dedication to keep our lifeboats afloat. Today, fewer people carry cash so we are facing new challenges in raising funds by thinking up new ideas together – that’s why last year’s statistics are so impressive with Exmouth out-performing many other branches in the Institution. These funds, together with legacies are what help keep our two lifeboats ready for service, the running costs of the station and the crews fully kitted out and trained.

‘All of this would be impossible without the many volunteers who make up the boat crews and the shore crews: the people who respond to their pagers at any time of day, any day of the week, whatever the weather. Thank you to everyone who has contributed in whatever way during the last year: it does make a difference.

‘I would like to acknowledge the contributions of Don Hodgkinson, Bernice Williams and Linda Cawsey who stepped down from key roles last year, each after decades of loyal service. We are currently recruiting a variety of roles to retain our charity’s reputation within our community. All training will be provided, so please get in touch if you’d like to join us in saving lives at sea.’

Photos: (Credit - Exmouth RNLI)

PR150419 Exmouth RNLI volunteers in front of the Shannon class lifeboat

Notes to editors

Exmouth RNLI are currently recruiting a variety of shore-based volunteer roles. Applications need to be made online, following the relevant links, by 1 June:

Lifeboat Operations Manager (LOM): https://bit.ly/2u7XnS5

Deputy Launching Authority (DLA): https://bit.ly/2u06VyK

(for enquiries for both, please email [email protected])

Lifeboat Administrative Officer (LAO): https://bit.ly/2u3WxWQ

(for enquiries, please email [email protected])

Community Safety Advisers (CSA): https://bit.ly/2T0EDhp

(for enquiries, please email [email protected])

Fundraising Box Secretary: https://bit.ly/2Che3uS

(for enquiries, please email [email protected])

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The next RNLI lifejacket clinic will take place at NCI Open Day on 8 June.

· Exmouth lifeboat station has been operating since 1803. To learn more about the lifeboat station go to: www.exmouthlifeboat.org.uk

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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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