RNLI Bridlington celebrates International Women’s Day 2023

For generations, women have saved life’s, launched lifeboats, and fundraised millions to help keep the RNLI afloat, here at RNLI Bridlington we also have our own women volunteers who continue to save lives at sea in various roles at the station.

Women have played a hands-on role in lifesaving since the RNLI formed in 1824 and Bridlington are carrying on that legacy today. The first woman of note connected to the RNLI was Grace Darling who was a pioneer of her time a strong and courageous woman who saved nine people from a shipwreck in 1838. Her story is legendary but many people around the UK have since continued in her footsteps, Bridlington is no exception.

As well as the four boat crew members, Bridlington also have numerous volunteers in a number of roles, including those who work in the shops, fundraise and help to promote the work of the RNLI, plus, the fabulous work of the Women’s Luncheon Club, all whose combined efforts keep the boats afloat at Bridlington. Each volunteer is a cog within the RNLI wheel, without the cogs, the wheels wouldn’t turn.

Crew member Sarah Berrey said ‘I joined Bridlington RNLI 5 years ago, and have had the privilege of working alongside some fantastic people with a wealth of knowledge to pass onto the next generation of lifeboat volunteer crew. Without these volunteers the boats simply could not run.

What was once perceived as a male role to go to sea in a lifeboat, isn’t the case anymore. It is what an individual brings to the station, every person has different strengths, characters, experiences and with the support of your fellow crew, you are encouraged to learn and develop the skills required ready for when a tasking comes in, to provide assistance to those in need.’

Lynn Shaw, Bridlington Volunteer Acting Lifeboat Management Chair added, ‘International Women’s Day 2023 allows the RNLI at Bridlington to celebrate women’s achievements. We are constantly aiming for inclusion at all levels and in all roles throughout our organisation.

We are proud to have women as Crew Members, Volunteers and members of the Management Group. All these roles are intertwined and without one group, the other groups cannot flourish.

There is an active and visible commitment to gender parity at the Station. An inclusive attitude which should be celebrated on this important day.’

If you feel you could offer something to support Bridlington RNLI in a voluntary role, get in touch or come down for a chat. We currently have a number of vacancies at RNLI Bridlington, please visit our website on https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeboat-stations/bridlington-lifeboat-station and search volunteering.

Note To Editors: Danielle was not available when crew photograph was taken but she is still a vital part of the crew. Please could you include her photograph too.

RNLI Media contacts

For more information, please contact Mike Milner, RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer: [email protected] or call 07751 054052.

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.

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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.