Aberdyfi RNLI call on local community to throw them a lifeline

As the volunteers prepare for another busy summer, Aberdyfi RNLI are appealing to the community to offer them a lifeline by volunteering some of their time to support the lifesaving work. The team is looking to recruit a shop manager, shop volunteers as well as a Lifeboat Operations Manager to lead the charity’s operational activity on the Dyfi Estuary.

Supported by a team of operational volunteers, the Lifeboat Operations Manager’s role is to lead the lifeboat crew and authorise lifeboat service calls.

RNLI shops started life as simple cake stalls run by volunteers to raise money for their local lifeboat station. These stalls started selling commemorative RNLI products in around 1920 and quickly moved on to selling souvenirs and the ever popular charity Christmas cards. However, Aberdyfi RNLI shop won’t be able to open this summer as the team don’t yet have enough volunteers to open its doors.

Andy Dodd, RNLI Area Lifesaving Manager said:

‘We have a fantastic team of dedicated volunteers at Aberdyfi RNLI, but we need more people to help support the lifeboat station as the crew continue to save lives at sea.

‘2020 was a difficult year for the charity as all traditional means of fundraising was forced to stop as a result of COVID-19. Despite a sudden stop in fundraising, the charity’s lifeboats were busier than ever as the public re-discovered the UK coastline and chose to holiday locally rather than travel abroad.

‘We have a number of volunteer roles available at Aberdyfi lifeboat station for anyone who would like to offer some of their time back to support their local community. A few hours a week can make a big different, so come and join our One Crew and help save lives on the Gwynedd coast.'

For more information on the volunteer roles at Aberdyfi RNLI please visit the website:

• Lifeboat Operations Manager: https://volunteering.rnli.org/vacancy/lifeboat-operations-manager-aberdovey-aberdyfi-444363.html?_ga...
• Aberdyfi Shop Manager: https://volunteering.rnli.org/vacancy/volunteer-shop-manager-aberdovey-aberdyfi-441126.html?_ga=2.20...
• Aberdyfi Shop volunteers: https://volunteering.rnli.org/vacancy/shop-volunteers-aberdovey-aberdyfi-441132.html?_ga=2.22304115....

Notes to editor

Attached photos show Aberdyfi's Atlantic 85 class lifeboat out on exercise. Photos were taken in December 2016. Credit: Nicholas Leach.

RNLI media contact

For more information contact Eleri Roberts, RNLI Regional Media Officer on 07771 941390. Alternatively contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789 or email [email protected].

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI charity 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 142,700 lives.

Learn more about the RNLI

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