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RNLI Blyth congratulate newly qualified crew member

Lifeboats News Release

RNLI Blyth would like to congratulate Paul Whittle on becoming the latest volunteer crew member to complete his training.

RNLI/Robin Palmer

Paul Whittle in front of Blyth RNLI's D Class inshore lifeboat
Paul Whittle joined Blyth RNLI in March 2022 as a trainee volunteer crew member on both our Atlantic 85 and D Class inshore lifeboats. Paul whose day job is an IT Manager joined the RNLI with no maritime experience

The training for volunteer crew requires a great deal of dedication, with hundreds of hours of practical and theory-based training, covering topics such as launch and recovery, using search and rescue radio equipment, chart work and local knowledge.

Trainee crew members are assessed on crucial skills, including navigation, anchoring and veering.

On completing his last assessment, Paul said, 'It feels great to be part of an organisation like the RNLI. I felt a great accomplishment when I completed my training, but I couldn't have done it without the support and advice from the existing crew, and the amazing training carried out but the Charity at it's Headquarters in Poole. It genuinely feels like you're part of one big team, regardless of your station.'

Lifeboat Operations Manager at Blyth RNLI , Paul Young said, 'It's been fantastic to see Paul's commitment to becoming a competent crew member and I'm sure he'll now help the other trainees reach the same level as himself. Without volunteers like Paul we wouldn't be able to continue the Charity's work of saving lives at sea.'

Would you like to become a volunteer crew member at Blyth RNLI ? We will shortly be holding two recruitment days. The first on Wednesday 15th March 7pm to 9pm and the second on Saturday 18th March between 10am and 4pm.

Our crew members need to:
  • be over 17 years old (with the permission of your parents) or over 18
  • be under 55 years old (inshore lifeboat crew) or 65 (all-weather lifeboat crew)
  • complete a health assessment, including an eyesight test
  • be physically fit
  • live and/or work close to a lifeboat station
  • pass a probationary period that usually lasts for 1 year
  • be a team player
  • enjoy hard physical work
  • get on well with other people
  • communicate easily
  • follow direction when required to.
Further details on the Recruitment Days will be published on Blyth RNLI's social media channels shortly.

RNLI media contacts

For more information please telephone Robin Palmer, RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 07801 290638 or [email protected] or Clare Hopps, Regional Media Officer (North and East) on 07824 518641 or [email protected] contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.

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 142,700 lives.



RNLI/Robin Palmer

Paul Whittle and Blyth RNLI's Atlantic 85

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, Twitter 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.