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Help Save Lives at Sea by Becoming a RNLI Face to Face Fundraiser in Sussex

Lifeguards News Release

Throughout the summer, Julie and other members of the RNLI’s Face to Face (F2F) fundraising team will be spread across the country’s beaches, festivals and seasonal events, with the aim of helping the charity fundraise and spread its messages about water safety.

Julie working at the Christchurch Food Festival.

RNLI/Thomas Henfrey

Julie out and about as face to face fundraiser.

Julie joined the charity as a F2F fundraiser in January 2023, after retiring from her previous career working in HR within schools. ‘For me this job is a flexible role, allowing me to work three days a week as well as volunteer at my local branch.’ says Julie.

The role of a F2F Fundraiser is a varied and unique job opportunity, providing flexible working hours, reward pay on top of a competitive hourly rate and possibly one of the most healthy outdoor ‘glows’ in the current jobs market, even giving the RNLI’s Beach Lifeguards a run for their money. ‘You work from 10-5 during the Summer at a whole host of different locations,’ says Julie., ‘When you sign up, you say what days you can work, and the charity does it’s best to fit around that.’

A large part of the role is geared towards helping members of the public keep themselves safe at beaches, sharing the charity’s key water safety messages with them. ‘We are currently focussing on promoting the Float to Live campaign,’, says Julie., ‘You never know if that piece of water safety information you provide could save somebody’s life one day, which makes the work all that more important.’

The RNLI is currently looking for people to join Julie in working across the Southeast at a variety of events and locations, spreading key safety messages and fundraising for the charities 24/7 lifeboat and beach lifeguard services. ‘I’ve worked all over the region so far at all kinds of events, from smaller ones like the Christchurch Food Festival right up to the Oxford vs Cambridge Boat race.’ Says Julie.

‘For me, the best part of the job is meeting new people. Whether that be members of the public, who always share interesting stories with you, or working with new team members. You feel supported by the charity as well, there is lots of excellent training both before you start and throughout your time in the role, so you’re not just thrown out there on your own. Oh, and you get an ice cream bought for you every now then by a kind member of the public.’

The RNLI offers opportunities to people from all walks and stages of life, with the F2F roles being no exception. ‘This job is great for people of my age and those younger than me,’ says Julie, ‘If you have spent your life talking to people as I have, then that’s a real bonus. But this role really helps build your CV if you are looking to gain transferable face to face skills, or experience in sales or working with targets.’

There are a variety of roles available, from full time year-round, part time like Julie or seasonal in the summer months. You'll need to be a friendly self-starter and an outgoing personality is a must. Day to day, you'll be working in pairs to engage the public, inspiring them to become financial supporters of the RNLI and educating them about all things water safety.

‘There is also progression within the job,’ says Julie ‘I’m now a level 2, so part of my role is to go out with new starters and help them develop their pitch or parts of the job they feel uncertain about . I will also say that being a F2F fundraiser is a nice launch pad if people want a career in the RNLI, it is a good place to start and get known within the organisation.’ Julie adds.

The RNLI is currently looking for people who are interested in water safety, passionate about the charity or want to help raise money for a good cause while being part of a friendly team. With 11 regional teams across the UK and Ireland and flexible hours available – including full and part-time positions – people can find a role that fits their needs.

To apply or find out more information, visit the summer jobs website: https://summerjobs.rnli.org/become-a-face-to-face-fundraiser/find-a-job

Notes to Editors

With the Summer months now upon us it is crucial for members of the public to be aware of how to keep safe when enjoying the water. The RNLI’s Float to Live campaign aims to help inform the public of what to do should they find them selves in trouble. Please follow this link for more information: https://rnli.org/safety/float

RNLI Media Contacts:

Thomas Henfrey, RNLI Media Engagement Placement, London and Southeast, [email protected] 07790772665

Julie Rainey, RNLI Regional Media Manager, London and Southeast, [email protected] (07827) 358256

Paul Dunt, RNLI Regional Media Officer, London and Southeast, [email protected], 07785 296252

For enquiries outside normal business hours, contact the RNLI duty press officer 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 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.