RNLI in Orkney needs new volunteers and staff to save lives at sea

There are three lifeboat stations in Orkney, at Longhope, Kirkwall and Stromness and now there is a variety of roles available at Kirkwall and Stromness lifeboat stations and in the wider community where there is a rich history of saving lives at sea.

In the last 25 years Kirkwall RNLI has launched 369 times, saved 19 lives and helped 418 people. At Stromness RNLI there have been 300 launches, 28 lives saved and 309 people aided. At Longhope RNLI volunteers have launched 166 times, saved six lives and aided 234 people.

Jo Henry, the RNLI’s Area Operations Manager for Orkney, says: ‘We are excited to welcome new people to the charity who will help continue our lifesaving work across Orkney. Whether you would like to join the crew, support on the shore, fundraise, or spread water safety advice, there are opportunities to suit all kinds of interests and experience levels.’

The RNLI across the islands is inviting more people to join with a range of voluntary and paid positions currently open. Opportunities are available to suit different interests, skills and levels of availability, with full training provided for voluntary positions.

While the lifeboats, crew and lifeguards are often the most well-known part of the RNLI, there are many ways to be a part of the charity.

Across the islands there are 13 fundraising groups, each rooted in its local community. They are vital in keeping RNLI lifesaving services running, helping to fund the crews, boats, training and equipment. RNLI shop volunteers also play a key role helping to raise funds, engaging with the public and selling great products.

Alongside this, our Visit Team members help bring the RNLI’s work to life. They welcome locals and tourists into lifeboat stations, offer engaging tours and help visitors learn more about the charity.

Our lifesaving work is also supported by our Water Safety teams who develop Water Safety and Lifesaving Plans to help influence improved safety and reduce the number of preventable deaths and incidents that occur. They also deliver advice to the public and provide vital water safety education to young people across Orkney.

In addition to the volunteer positions available, Stromness and Kirkwall lifeboat station are hiring a Senior Station Technician and a Station Technician.

Anyone interested in learning more about the available opportunities is invited to attend one of the upcoming recruitment evenings.

Recruitment evenings: Kirkwall Lifeboat Station on Monday 5 May between 6pm and 9pm or Stromness Lifeboat Station on Wednesday 7 May from 4pm to 7pm.

Notes to editors

• The RNLI has had a presence on Orkney since Stromness lifeboat station was established in 1867.
• Orkney has three all-weather lifeboat stations – Kirkwall, Longhope and Stromness.
• 97% of the RNLI’s frontline lifesavers are volunteers including over 5,700 lifeboat crew members.

RNLI media contacts

Suzanne O’Brien, RNLI Regional Communications Placement for Scotland, 07483 494407, [email protected]

Martin Macnamara, RNLI Regional Media Manager for Scotland, 07920 365929, [email protected]

Richard Smith, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for Scotland, 07826 900639, [email protected]

Alternatively, please contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336 789 or [email protected]

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

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, 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.