RNLI celebrates International Women’s Day

Across Norfolk, the RNLI has six lifeboat stations that all contribute to the charity’s important work of saving lives at sea.

The charity has many Norfolk women taking up a wide variety of roles in the organisation from shore crew, to all weather lifeboat crew, tractor drivers and many other vital roles that help support the charity’s mission to save lives at sea.

Supported by thousands of women in fundraising, water safety, engineering and staff teams, 15 per cent of RNLI operational crew are women.

Mandy Humphreys has been volunteering for the RNLI at Wells-next-the sea for six years. She was inspired by her mother, who herself has been an education volunteer and fundraiser at Newbiggin-by-the-sea lifeboat station for more than 50 years.

Mandy, Wells RNLI Volunteer Crew and Water Safety Officer, says: 'I remember my mam telling me you're a Northumbrian lass like Grace Darling. She was smaller than you, and she managed to save nine lives by herself!’

This was the encouragement she needed, and Mandy has been a valued crew member ever since. Mandy’s passion for her role is quite obvious. When talking to her, she describes being 'so proud her heart almost bursts with pride every time she goes out on a shout.'

She added: ‘I've been asked a lot whether I ever get scared. I'm scared every time I go out! My Gran used to say, ‘being scared and doing it anyway is the definition of courage.’

Hunstanton RNLI volunteer crew member Louise Kyle, whose mother Clare Kyle became Hunstanton RNLI’s first tractor driver, explained: ‘Hunstanton has four female crew members, but women have always been around the RNLI, from supporting those who went out to save lives to becoming a part of those remarkable people (operational crews).

‘It’s an achievement to see how far I have personally come but also women in general. It’s inspiring being a part of such a group of amazing women and being able to support each other.

‘Being able to inspire little girls and other women always makes me feel proud.’

Demi Trenholm, Cromer RNLI Shore Crew and Visits Volunteer, explained: ‘When I moved to North Norfolk, I was keen to get involved with the RNLI, but I lived too far from the local stations for an operational role.

‘Almost three years ago my friend got into trouble in her kayak whilst on holiday in Scotland. Two RNLI lifeboats went to assist but, unfortunately, she died.

‘This pushed me to find any way to be involved with the RNLI and so I found the visits team at Cromer. Ten months ago, I went on to join both all weather and inshore shore crew, and I’m now looking at joining our boat crews.

‘I think being in trouble at sea is probably one of the most lonely and scary situations someone could find themselves in through everyday life. So, anything I can do to help someone in that situation is the least I could do.

‘We already had six female crew, before I joined at Cromer. The team is great, I’m just one of the team and treated as an equal. As a woman in search and rescue, I am proud that I get to be a role model and inspire the next generation of female crew through hosting visits to the station as part of my additional role on the visits team at Cromer.

‘We have a lot of visits from schools, scouts, brownies, etc. I explain why what we do is so important and tell them my first hand experience as crew.’

Women have played a key role in the RNLI’s success since its formation in 1824 – from famous lifesavers like Grace Darling to behind the scenes roles raising funds to keep the charity afloat. And representation has improved hugely since 1969, when Elisabeth Hostvedt became the first fully qualified woman on a lifeboat crew.

Notes to Editor

Supported by thousands of women in fundraising, water safety, engineering and staff teams, 15 per cent of RNLI operational crew are women. This includes afloat crew, shore crew, launch authorities and lifeboat operation managers.

More information about RNLI Inspiration women through history is available 15+ Influential Women Of The RNLI

RNLI media contacts

For more information, please telephone Jess Curtis, RNLI Media Engagement placement on 07860200790 or [email protected] contact the RNLI Press Office 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, X, TikTok 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.