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Skegness RNLI: Be a lifesaver, join the crew and make waves of difference!

Lifeboats News Release

Imagine the wind in your hair, the salt in the air, and the knowledge that you're making a difference where it matters most. At Skegness RNLI, you can be part of a dedicated team that saves lives at sea – and it all starts with you.

RNLI

Shore crew at RNLI Skegness

As a charity dedicated to saving lives at sea, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) relies on the dedication and commitment of volunteers to power its lifesaving service. From lifeboat crews to press officers, fundraisers to shop volunteers, the RNLI benefits from individuals like you who help in various ways.

Skegness RNLI wants to highlight the incredible opportunities for volunteering at the lifeboat station and invite people to become a part of the lifesaving team.

Why Become a lifeboat station Volunteer?

Becoming a lifeboat crew member at Skegness RNLI is one of the most exciting and fulfilling volunteer roles you could undertake. Here are some compelling reasons to consider joining the team:

  1. Make a Difference: Volunteering offers you the opportunity to make a tangible difference in your local community. By saving lives at sea, you become an integral part of a larger RNLI family dedicated to preserving life and ensuring the safety of those at sea.

  2. Inclusivity and Diversity: The RNLI is an inclusive and diverse organisation that welcomes individuals from all walks of life. It celebrates the unique skills and perspectives that each volunteer brings to the team.

  3. First-class Training and Support: When you join the RNLI, you'll receive first-class training, top-notch equipment, and ongoing guidance and support. The charity ensures that volunteers are well-prepared for their vital roles, and invest in your development.

  4. Skills and Experience: Volunteering with the RNLI provides you with the opportunity to learn new skills and gain valuable experience, which can enhance your CV and benefit your personal and professional growth.

Life as a Crew Member: A Reality Check

While volunteering as a crew member is undoubtedly rewarding, it comes with unique challenges and responsibilities that require commitment and dedication:

  1. Unpredictable Lifestyle: Life on the crew is far from predictable. You can be called away from your family, your bed, and your work at any time, as emergencies at sea do not adhere to schedules. This role demands flexibility and readiness.

  2. Training Commitment: As a crew member, you'll spend many hours training to ensure you're prepared for any situation. This commitment ensures that you can respond effectively to emergencies at sea.

  3. Reimbursement: While the role is voluntary, you will be entitled to reimbursement for any expenses incurred in your capacity as a crew member, acknowledging the financial commitment you make.

  4. Impact on Family and Work: Volunteering as a lifeboat crew member can be incredibly rewarding, but the charity recognises that it can also be stressful and may impact family and work life. Open communication and understanding among crew members are essential.

Volunteer Roles at RNLI Skegness Lifeboat Station

  1. Lifeboat Boat Crew: Volunteer lifeboat crew members, in collaboration with the coxswain or helm, operate the lifeboat during rescues and ensure the safety of rescues. Besides going out on rescues, crew members commit to regular training in boat handling, radio communications, casualty care, navigation, and radar. Lifeboat crew start their journey as Shore Crew and progress to a seagoing usually within six to 12 months.

  2. Shore Crew: The role of shore crew members is to assist with the launch and recovery of the lifeboats during service and exercises. They also contribute to the overall upkeep of the station, lifeboats, and equipment.

  3. Deputy Launch Authority: Deputy Launch Authorities play a crucial role in ensuring that all operational activities maintain the lifeboats and associated equipment in a constant state of readiness for launching on service. They are involved in authorising the use of the lifeboats on a duty basis, and participate in the authorisation of service launches and exercises.

Join the Lifesaving Team

If you're ready to embark on a meaningful and rewarding journey as an RNLI Skegness Lifeboat Station volunteer, you're invited to register your interest by filling out the online form here. Your commitment can help save lives at sea and make a positive impact on your local community.

At Skegness RNLI, everyone is proud of the dedicated team of volunteers who work tirelessly to keep the coastal community safe. Join today and become a part of the station and charity's lifesaving mission.

Informal contact about roles
Paul Simpson, Lifeboat Operations Manager at: [email protected]
Ryan Speed, Lifeboat Training Coordinator at: [email protected]

Notes to editors

  • The RNLI is the Royal National Lifeboat Institution.
  • Skegness RNLI is based on Tower Esplanade, Skegness. The lifeboat station was founded in 1825 and the volunteer crew use an inshore D class lifeboat The Holland Family and as well as an all-weather Shannon class lifeboat the Joel and April Grunnill.
RNLI media contacts
For further information, please contact:
Brad Johnson, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for Skegness at: [email protected]
RNLI Press Office: 01202 336789 or [email protected]

RNLI

Inshore lifeboat training session

RNLI

Inshore lifeboat crew with Robert Holland, one of our lifeboat donors

RNLI

Lifeboat crew training with the Coastguard

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.

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