They were given a unique opportunity to understand more about the RNLI and the important work we do as a charity as Paul Whittle,XLVets IT Manager is also a volunteer crew member at Blyth RNLI.
Paul shared with them the challenges of being a volunteer crew member, the immense feeling of purpose he gets from volunteering and what it is like to provide support at sea in all conditions.
The XLVets team had the opportunity to experience a live timed drill and get changed and into the boat as quickly as possible. This gave them an insight into the procedures undertaken, safety protocols etc, designed to keep the volunteer crew safe and get them on scene as quickly as possible. It also gave XLVets an insight into the costs of running the RNLI and how important all of our donations are to keep this essential charity 'afloat'.
XLVets then took the experiences of RNLI processes honed over generations to reflect on their own business and look for ways to improve.
Andrew Curwen, CEO of XLVets said,“The RNLI is an outstanding organisation and it was an absolute privilege to take time today to consider what we can learn as a team from their ways of doing things that they have developed over their 199 years of service and history”
Huge thanks to Paul and RNLI Blyth for giving us this exciting and valuable insight into their important work.'
Paul Whittle reflecting on the day said ;'It was a privilege to be able to share with my colleagues what I have learnt from my time with the RNLI and to share polices and procedures and how they can be used in the business.I'm glad everyone had an enjoyable day and they didn't even get wet!'
Blyth RNLI would like to say, 'Thank You' to XLVets for their donation of £500 so the station can continue to save lives at sea
XLVets
Members of Staff from XLVets in RNLI kit by the Station's D Class inshore lifeboat
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.