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RNLI fundraisers pose for a group photo

Volunteer

Volunteer for the RNLI and you'll be part of a lifesaving tradition that has been going strong since 1824

Volunteers are the heart of the RNLI and make up 95% of our people. They are ordinary people who do extraordinary things and without them we couldn’t save lives at sea. 

And it’s not all about volunteering on our lifeboats or at our stations; there are so many other ways you can give a little (or a lot) of your time to support the RNLI and make a lifesaving difference.

Come rain or shine, RNLI fundraising volunteers always have a smile on their face!

Photo: RNLI / Nigel Millard

Come rain or shine, RNLI fundraising volunteers always have a smile on their face!

How you can volunteer

There are so many ways you can volunteer. From joining the crews at lifeboat stations and helping to run the RNLI shops, to becoming a youth education volunteer or joining a fundraising group. The RNLI relies on people like you dedicating their time and energy to saving lives at sea.

Get involved

5,600+ volunteer lifeboat crew

3,700+ volunteer shore crew

82 Volunteer lifeguards

23,000+ volunteer community fundraisers

We are one crew image of different face shots of RNLI volunteers and staff

Volunteer opportunities

Take a look at our latest volunteer opportunities to see where your time and energy can help the RNLI. From roles at lifeboat stations to fundraising groups in need of extra support, there’s a need for your skills, experience and passion to help the RNLI.

Where you can help
Anna watson volunteer for RNLI
I’ve never regretted one day volunteering for the RNLI - and I really believe that people can make a difference.
Anna Watson Volunteer Chair of Looe Fundraising Committee
View from onboard Tenby RNLI’s Tamar class lifeboat, Haydn Miller 16-02

Photo: Michael Topham

View from onboard Tenby RNLI’s Tamar class lifeboat, Haydn Miller 16-02

Volunteer Zone

Looking for support with your volunteering? The volunteer zone has everything you need to help you make the most of your time with the RNLI. You’ll find useful resources and guides, wellbeing support and the latest volunteer news.

Find out more

Useful links for volunteers

Come rain or shine, RNLI fundraising volunteers always have a smile on their face!
How you can volunteer
There are lots of ways to volunteer at the RNLI, from lifeboat crews to press officers, fundraisers to shop volunteers.
Be extraordinary
We are one crew image of different face shots of RNLI volunteers and staff
Volunteering opportunities
Take a look at the current volunteering opportunities and find the one that's right for you.
where you can help
Group shot of Portishead volunteers of all types of roles. The group are standing in a row, facing the camera and smiling on a sunny day.
Volunteer Zone

The Volunteer Zone is a dedicated area for RNLI volunteers. Discover resources, useful information and news to help you get the most out of your volunteer role.

Volunteer Zone
Group shot of volunteers including crew members, shore workers, fundraisers, families and children in front of Anstruther Lifeboat Station with Mersey class lifeboat Kingdom of Fife 12-17 on the slipway.
Contact our volunteering team
Do you have a question about volunteering? Our Volunteering Team is here to help.
join today
RNLI Community Safety Volunteer Bill Walton giving advice at Southampton Boat Show
Volunteering FAQs
Find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about volunteering for the RNLI.
Volunteering FAQs