Torbay RNLI seeks new volunteers as it approaches its 160th year
As Torbay RNLI is about to enter its 160th year of saving lives at sea in and around Tor Bay in 2026, crew retirements mean the station is now looking for new volunteers to help continue their vital work.
A recent RNLI training exercise brought together over 160 years of lifeboat crew experience aboard Torbay’s All-Weather Lifeboat (ALB). Four of the onboard crew alone had amassed over 120 years of lifeboat crew experience between them.
With two lifeboats – the ALB and an Inshore Lifeboat – tasked on average every two days, it takes over 40 volunteer lifeboat and shore crew to ensure the lifeboats are ready to respond to shouts. A local Water Safety team visits beaches, marinas, schools and other venues to give life-saving advice to water users.
Nick O’Brien, Lifeboat Operations Manager at Torbay RNLI commented,
"With our beaches and coasts attracting large numbers of beachgoers, paddleboarders and sailors, plus our vibrant fishing community based in Brixham, we’re one of the busiest UK lifeboat stations. Our lifeboat and shore crews therefore need to be ready to respond at any time of day or night, 365 days a year. And our Water Safety team do their important work all year round, too.
We're looking to welcome new volunteers to our team who are keen to learn new skills and serve the local community in a number of different roles – onboard our boats and ashore. We offer full training and, through our OneCrew ethos, a friendly, supportive environment to develop as valued members of our team. We'd love to have you onboard."
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.
Learn more about the RNLI
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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.