Bridlington RNLI Inspire the next generation of Women in emergency services

Bridlington RNLI held a special event on Tuesday 11 March to hopefully inspire the next generation of emergency life savers for the future. Representatives from the RNLI, HM Coastguard, NHS Ambulance Service, the British Army and Humberside Police all gave presentations at this unique event.

The event had to be relocated to the Emmanuel Church Hall, Cardigan Road, due to the events that unfolded over the previous day, making the Lifeboat Station unavailable. With an audience of primarily young women aged between 15-18 years, they were treated to inspirational talks on the impact of women working in the emergency services. Women are still under-represented across the emergency sectors in our local communities. It is hoped that this event will direct more youngsters to seek a profession in one of the emergency services who attended the prestigious event.

Bridlington RNLI Lifeboat Chair, Lynn Shaw said, ‘We wanted to positively impact our local community and address the under-representation of women either volunteering in, or working in, emergency services. Our team were delighted to host the event and have the opportunity to bring together some outstanding female leaders. With eight presenters from RNLI Lifeboats, RNLI Lifeguards, HM Coastguard, Army, Ambulance and Police sharing their inspirational stories we achieved our aim.’

Anna Heslop, RNLI Cullercoats Helm and Regional Operations lead added, ‘We never know who we are going to inspire. I like to think if we can show young women what is possible then they will see what they can achieve themselves. It was fantastic to see so many enthusiastic young people interested in the emergency services, and I was thrilled to play a part in the event.’

Jolene Smith, Humber Team Leader at H M Coastguards commented, ‘For me, it is about people not being constrained, limited by their environment, background, their exam grades or uncertainty with what to do. If my words can inspire one person to consider the impossible, dream big, research what is needed and grab such an opportunity with both hands then that is a job well done’.

Sergeant Claire Adams, Defence School of Transport also stated, ‘The day was nothing short of inspiring, with incredible speakers showcasing the progress women have made in uniformed services. Hearing their stories of breaking barriers and leading in roles once considered out of reach was a powerful reminder of the strides we have made in inclusion and equality. The event was filled with knowledge, passion, and proof that the future of emergency services is stronger with women at the forefront.’

Detective Sergeant Nikki Cammiss from Humberside Police further stated, ‘By exposing young people to our own personal journeys in the police, we hope to have inspired and motivated them, it is achievable for anyone if you work hard, stay focused, and commit yourself. We hope we empowered them to believe in themselves and their abilities. Police officers should represent our community and we all play a vital role. There is without doubt a place for women across all emergency services.’

Bridlington RNLI volunteers would like to thank everyone involved in making this event happen, it was indeed a 'one crew' event, from many organisations that made the day happen. Even a last-minute change of venue was dealt with without much disruption, thank you to you all.

Notes to editors.

Photographs are also attached as jpeg images credited to Bridlington RNLI/Mike Milner. Unused photographs will be sent in a separate email or by request.

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 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.