Exciting opportunities announced to join the team at Cromer RNLI
Cromer RNLI is currently seeking additional volunteers to join their lifeboat crew.
Cromer RNLI has two lifeboat stations in the town, one housing a D class inshore lifeboat and the other, a Tamar class all-weather lifeboat. The charity is currently seeking extra volunteers to join the existing volunteer team.
The station is looking for volunteers to join the shore crew and lifeboat crew for both lifeboats. While lifeboat crew need to live within 15 minutes of the station shore crew, who help launch and recover the lifeboats, can live further afield.
Tom Stops, who has been volunteering at the station since 2020 talked about his experience as a volunteer at Cromer and why he thinks this is a great opportunity:
‘I had been living in Peterborough with my family and moved to Norfolk in 2011, initially living in Northrepps and then moving to Cromer to be closer to the lifeboat station. Whilst I work full-time, I wanted to find a way to integrate into my new local community and to give back. I had previously been a special constable in the police in both Peterborough and Cromer which I had thoroughly enjoyed.
'I am often asked if it was scary and daunting to join the RNLI volunteer crew - but it was surprisingly easy - and I would say to anyone come and give it a go - you can do it! The training and support is incredible and the station has become part of my extended family.'
Tom, continued: 'The opportunity and progression that the RNLI offers now is incredible. I started during Covid and now I am shore crew together with crew on both boats and I’m also a mechanic on the all-weather lifeboat and also now on plan to become a navigator.
'My employers, food manufacturer Greenyard, have been incredibly supportive and again I urge anyone who’s not sure how they can fit being part of the RNLI crew in around work to talk to their employers.
'My family have also been incredibly supportive and that is part of the role as the pager can go off anytime 24/7. They are really proud of what I do and what I’ve achieved and I couldn’t have done it without their support.
'I have found it a two way experience as I have used some of my workplace skills at the station, however the communication skills for example learnt at the station such as how to brief and work with each other when there’s a shout, has really helped me in the workplace as well.
'The team building and trust you build helps build personal confidence and also confidence at work. The challenges we face are mental and physical but I can honestly say I have found the whole experience really positive, fun, exciting and challenging. I would urge anyone thinking about it to come and talk to us and find out more - we are very friendly and approachable.'
For more information please see here:
Or, to arrange a chat to find out about the opportunities, please contact Paul Watling at Cromer RNLI station on 01263 512237.
RNLI media contacts
For more information please contact Clare Stagg, RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer: [email protected]
Key facts about Cromer RNLI
The Cromer Lifeboat Station was established in 1804 and was not taken over by the Institution from the Norfolk Shipwreck Association until 1857. Since 1923 there have been two lifeboats at Cromer, and currently there is a D Class inshore boat and Tamar all-weather lifeboat. The outstanding figure in the history of Cromer is Henry George Blogg who became a member of the Cromer crew in 1894 at the age of 18. He was coxswain from 1909-1947. During his 53 years as a lifeboat crew member, the Cromer lifeboats had been on service 387 times and rescued 873 lives. His record is without equal in the history of the Institution. No lifeboat crew member has received so many decorations for gallantry.
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.
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.