Front line workers still volunteering for the RNLI
Despite it being a stressful and demanding time for for a number of people as we adapt our lives due to COVID-19, each volunteer lifeboat crew at Barry Dock RNLI is still ready to respond to pagers.
Like a number of lifeboat stations across the coast, Barry Dock RNLI have volunteers who are also front line and key workers. Whilst carrying out these vital roles day-to-day, they are still available to respond to their pagers when they're not in work.
Over the next few days Barry Dock RNLI would like to highlighting some of these volunteers and the fantastic work that they do.
Today we would like to introduce you to John McAllister and Dean Caldwell who are both NHS front line workers for the Welsh Ambulance NHS trust. Both John and Dean are long serving members of the Barry Dock lifeboat crew. They are crew for both the station's all-weather lifeboat and smaller inshore lifeboat.
A spokesperson for Barry Dock RNLI said:
'Without volunteers the RNLI would not be able to provide a lifesaving service across the coast. Barry Dock RNLI would like to thank all our volunteer lifeboat crew - and especially those who are key workers - who are ready to respond to the pager during this difficult time.
'At a time when emergency services are already stretched we would like to remind everyone to continue to follow government advice. If you are within walking distance of the beach, the RNLI is asking everyone to carefully consider the need to go to visit the beach, the coast or go into the water in case they get into difficulty.'
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.
Learn more about the RNLI
For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, X, 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.