Hoylake RNLI launches recruitment for new Lifeboat Operations Manager

The LOM role is a critical part of every RNLI lifeboat station’s management team, with a key responsibility of ensuring a permanent state of readiness for service of maritime search and rescue craft and personnel.

Leading a team of dedicated volunteer lifesavers from the shore, Hoylake RNLI is looking for candidates who are team players with great communication and leadership skills. Desirable criteria include local maritime knowledge, IT literacy and knowledge of the RNLI.

Candidates must live or work within 20 minutes of Hoylake Lifeboat Station and be between 18 and 70 years of age (if authorising the launch of lifeboats).

The opportunity to apply follows the decision by Hoylake RNLI’s current LOM, Dave Whiteley BEM, to hand in his pager in 2026 as he retires from the RNLI after 50 years of dedicated volunteering with the lifesaving charity.

Dave has been LOM since 2016 and will continue to lead Hoylake RNLI’s operational team as the station recruits his successor.

Chris Gaskin, RNLI Area Operations Manager for Flintshire, Wirral and the Isle of Man, said: ‘On behalf of Hoylake’s lifeboat station community and RNLI colleagues across the region, I would like to thank Dave for his exemplary leadership and a lifetime of commitment to saving lives at sea, including 15 years as Coxswain at Hoylake.’

Chris added: ‘The LOM role is a great opportunity to join our lifesaving charity and gain management experience, leading a diverse team in a dynamic volunteering environment. You’ll receive training on operational decision making and volunteer management and join an inclusive and diverse organisation.’

Dave Whiteley said: ‘It’s been a privilege to serve as Hoylake RNLI’s Lifeboat Operations Manager for the past 10 years and to support our crew in saving lives at sea. The RNLI has been a huge part of my life for almost 50 years and I’ve been proud to volunteer with and lead a fantastic and dedicated team.’

Dave added ‘The LOM role is a truly unique opportunity to make a real difference in the local community, saving lives 24/7 while learning new skills, and I’d encourage anyone who is interested to apply.’

Candidates can find out more about the Lifeboat Operations Manager role and apply by Sunday 4 January 2026 at https://volunteering.rnli.org/vacancy/lifeboat-operations-manager-hoylake-592288.html

Notes to editors

Hoylake Lifeboat Station was founded in 1803 and is one of the oldest lifeboat stations in the UK. It operates the Shannon class all-weather lifeboat Edmund Hawthorn Micklewood and Inshore Rescue Hovercraft Hurley Spirit.

RNLI media contacts

For more information, please contact:

Dan Whiteley, Hoylake RNLI Lifeboat Press Officer on 07799 851 316 or email [email protected]

Claire Fitzpatrick-Smith, RNLI Regional Communications Manager on 07977 728 315 or email [email protected]

RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI is the charity that 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 146,700 lives.

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