Lyme Regis lifeboat crew member joins RNLI’s Women in Search and Rescue Training

The action-packed five-day event aimed to bring together women from our RNLI lifeguard and lifeboat teams across the UK and Ireland to inspire, connect and share their experiences while learning new skills.

Lyme Regis RNLI were thrilled that one of their volunteers attended the event, representing the station and learning more about the women in SAR community.

Joe Street joined the lifeboat crew three years ago. Initially she served as shore crew before progressing to become a fully qualified sea going crew member of the station’s Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat Spirit of Loch Fyne. When she is not volunteering for the RNLI Joe is a swim and rehabilitation instructor.

She said, ‘Had an awesome week training with a bunch of fabulous new friends in Poole. Retuned home in time for my birthday which unintentionally coincides with International Women's Day, celebrating with my wonderful family.’

Attendees in afloat operational roles were put through their paces in the Crew Emergency Procedures course in the Sea Survival Pool and headed out on exercises on both RNLI inshore and all-weather lifeboats.

Volunteer lifeboat launch vehicle drivers attended the training ground at QinetiQ and got hands on with various vehicles and equipment, while Lifeboat Operations Managers (LOMs) and Launch Authorities (LAs) came together for shore-based sessions focusing on leadership and decision making. RNLI lifeguards attended a series of training sessions throughout the week focused on problem solving and leadership.

All attendees also took part in a mix of networking, confidence and leadership workshops.

Jill Hepburn, RNLI Head of Region in Scotland, said: ‘The RNLI’s Women in SAR Training Week has been a fantastic opportunity for women to come together, share knowledge and grow stronger as a community, all while learning new lifesaving skills.

‘We’re working hard to create a more diverse RNLI and a crucial part of that is encouraging women into search and rescue roles. We’re incredibly proud of all our volunteers, lifeguards and staff who continue to support our mission to save lives at sea.’

To find out more about volunteering at the RNLI, including current vacancies, please visit: rnli.org/support-us/volunteer

-ENDS-

Notes to editor:

• For information about influential women in the RNLI’s history, please visit: https://rnli.org/magazine/magazine-featured-list/2024/may/15-influential-women-of-the-rnli

RNLI media contacts
For more information please, please contact Nick Marks RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 07568 187582 or [email protected]. Alternatively, please contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789 or [email protected].