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August 2026 - Focus on our amazing volunteers
Volunteers are the heart of the RNLI. From lifeboat and shore crews to press officers, fundraisers and shop and water safety volunteers, every single volunteer role helps the RNLI to continue its lifesaving work.
With summer holidays in full swing, the RNLI’s dedicated water safety advisers have been working tirelessly to deliver our water safety messages, working with partners, fellow volunteers and members of the public to make sure as many people as possible know what to do if they get into trouble in the water.
In Weymouth, volunteer Water Safety Adviser Heather Reid has gone above and beyond in securing prime position for our water safety messaging. Noticing that space on the side of Weymouth Pavilion overlooking the beach was empty, Heather contacted the Pavilion management to ask if they would consider putting up a Float to Live banner.
‘I noticed that the space that usually advertises the annual pantomime was empty over the summer, and I thought it would be a great spot for a Float to Live image’, said Heather. ‘The Pavilion management agreed, and kindly gave us the space free of charge – it was a really great example of the community working together to keep people safe.’
Heather began volunteering with the RNLI just 18 months ago and has been working with her colleagues in Weymouth to build up the water safety activity at the station. She was inspired to take the step into volunteering by her late mother, who had requested that donations be made to the RNLI at her funeral.
Heather adds: ‘My mum loved the lifeboat, and volunteering for the RNLI helps me to feel connected to her, and part of the local community.’
If you’ve seen a volunteer going above and beyond in their role that you’d like to see featured in a future spotlight, please let us know at [email protected].
And if you’ve been inspired to begin your own volunteering journey, there is a wealth of information available about the volunteer roles offered by the RNLI on our website.