Sennen Cove RNLI shop seek volunteers to join life-saving ‘family’

With Covid restrictions continuing to lift and the arrival of warm weather, this summer is set to be very busy across Cornwall. Sennen RNLI lifeboat crew and lifeguards have already been out on the coast keeping people safe, however, they can’t do their jobs without the important work of the volunteers.

Andy Bramwell, RNLI Community Manager, said:

‘Sennen Cove RNLI shop is a key part the lifeboat station and you get an amazing view of the lifeboat and any launches through the huge gallery window in the boat house. We are looking for volunteers to run the shop and talk about the lifeboat and station history, in a special all-in-one role in one of the most beautiful parts of Cornwall.

We will be running an open evening for volunteers on July 15 during which anyone interested in volunteering can come and find out more about the roles. Weather permitting you’ll be able to see Sennen Cove’s Tamar class lifeboat City of London III launch down the slipway into the cove.’

Rosalie Whitlock, who has been volunteering with the RNLI for much of her life, and continues to manage the neighbouring RNLI shop in Penzance said,

‘We are always looking for help in the shops so don’t be afraid to come and join us because we’d be delighted if you did. It really is like joining a family and wherever you go you are welcomed.’

Altogether, RNLI shops around the country attract almost 1 million visitors every year, selling a wide range of products from jam to clothing, and key rings to model boats. But it’s not just the hard sell that you need to master, Rosalie says;

The main focus of course is the lifeboat and the volunteer crews, who without us, couldn’t go on shouts. For me I feel that in some way I am helping to save a life out at sea on our treacherous coasts, and that is motivation enough to do what I do and keep going.’

Anyone interested in finding out more should apply online by visiting www.rnli.org/volroles

Note to editor

· Please see attached a picture of Rosalie Whitlock, Volunteer Shop Manager for Penzance RNLI, credit: RNLI

· Open Day will be Thursday 15 July 4pm-7.30pm at Sennen Lifeboat Station

RNLI contacts

For more information, please contact Claire Fitzpatrick-Smith, Media Engagement Placement on [email protected] or 07902 975993, or Andy Bramwell, Community Manager on [email protected],

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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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