Not all RNLI volunteers go to sea, but all help Save Lives at Sea.

The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea, but it’s not limited to launching a lifeboat or providing lifeguards to save lives. Every year our lifeboat crews and lifeguards save the lives of hundreds of people and rescue thousands more, whilst around 150 people die by accident in UK and Irish waters each year. Half of those who drown never intended to enter the water.

The RNLI Water Safety Team saves lives by giving advice that helps people enjoy the water safely, and stops them from getting into trouble in the first place. The Water Safety Officer is a voluntary land based pivotal role involved in the design and implementation of the Community Lifesaving Plan designed to identify “at risk” groups to reduce fatalities and serious incidents by working with partners to develop specifically targeted interventions.

This is a great opportunity for someone who can be effective both within the Appledore RNLI team and on a stand-alone basis. The applicant will need a good knowledge and experience of the local coastal and estuary environment and water based activities; have an understanding of risk management and analytical skill; be IT literate and a good communicator.

More information about this role, and a link to apply for the job, can be seen at https://volunteering.rnli.org/vacancy/volunteer-water-safety-officer-445644.html?_ga=2.42323746.648839474.1621337686-1489045846.1608037515, or phone Appledore RNLI’s Lifeboat Operations Manager Tony Merrill on 07760423932 for an informal chat. Applications close 30^th June 2021.

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.