New volunteers needed across Wales to RNLI to help save lives at sea
The RNLI has issued its own SOS to find new fundraising volunteers to join its lifesaving crew across Wales. Today the charity launches a fundraising recruitment drive in communities across Anglesey, Flintshire, Conwy, Pembrokeshire, Gwynedd, Carmarthenshire and Neath Port Talbot.
Just like the charity’s lifeboats, the RNLI’s fundraising team need a dedicated volunteer crew. Volunteers are the heart of the RNLI and make up 95% of its people. They are ordinary people who do extraordinary things and without them, the organisation couldn’t continue to save lives at sea.
In addition, some operational roles are also required such as at Criccieth and Burry Port, where inshore lifeboat crew, tractor drivers and a launch authorities are required to help the station continue saving lives at sea.
But it’s not all about volunteering on lifeboats or at a station, there are many other ways people can give a little or a lot of their time to support the RNLI and make their own lifesaving difference.
RNLI branches at Trearddur Bay, Moelfre, Llandudno, Criccieth, Port Talbot, Flint, Angle, Saundersfoot and Little and Broad Haven are in particular need of new fundraisers. The charity is also keen to boost its water safety team in the Conwy and Llandudno areas.
Water Safety Officers develop water safety and lifesaving plans and work with partners to help influence improved safety, to reduce the number of preventable deaths and incidents that occur within local coastal communities. New volunteers are needed to take up these vital roles, for which full training is provided.
Kirstee Davies, joined Port Talbot RNLI four years ago. She began her fundraising journey working in the shop, joined the fundraising branch, stepped up to managing the shop and is now also Lifeboat Press Officer.
She says:
‘I’ve had a wonderful experience volunteering with the RNLI. It’s been amazing to see the entire team flourish at Port Talbot, I’ve met the most amazing people and it’s been a pleasure to volunteer alongside them. It’s been exciting to take on new responsibilities such as growing and managing the shop team and seeing their enjoyment and passion for the RNLI.
‘The most humbling thing of all is talking to our supporters and listening to their stories. I am often moved the stories that I hear and it motivates me to be the best volunteer I can possibly be. If you are passionate and enthusiastic there is a volunteering role for you at the RNLI. It doesn’t matter if you can give two hours a week or 20 hours a week it is all appreciated and helps save lives at sea.’
Ifer Gwyn has been a crew member at Criccieth for over 10 years. Following in his footsteps is 17-year-old son Iago Gwyn, who joined the crew as a trainee last year. They are appealing for more volunteers to come forward after seeing recent decline in operational crew.
Ifer says:
‘Volunteering with the RNLI is one of the most rewarding things I’ve done. I’ve been provided with world-class training that’s helped save lives and serve with fantastic colleagues, whilst giving something back to the local community. Being able to share that with Iago is amazing. It’s also great seeing him develop into his own person through the experiences and opportunities that he’s getting as an RNLI volunteer’.
Iago is currently working through his shore crew training units and his commitment is ready filling his dad with a huge sense of pride.
Nick Evans RNLI Fundraising Partnership Lead said:
‘Without our volunteers, the RNLI simply would not be able to operate the way it does today. With 92% of the RNLI’s income coming from donations, the charity relies on the generosity of supporters and on the dedication of our fundraising volunteers to help raise essential funds. Thousands of community fundraising volunteers organise a wide range of activities and events each year, contributing their time, energy and skills to raise money to save lives at sea. Some of our fundraisers have been volunteering for many years while some just join us for a few months in the year depending on what their commitments allow.
‘We now really need to bolster that support and grow our volunteer fundraising crew. If you like to have fun, enjoy meeting new people and want to join a motivated and enthusiastic team, we encourage you to find out more and apply. You will learn new skills, gain experience and have the rewarding satisfaction of giving back. The RNLI will also provide all the necessary training and support so you can carry out your chosen role effectively.’
To find out more about how you can sign up to be a fundraising volunteer at the RNLI, or to apply, click on this link rnli.org/OneCrewVolunteers
Ends
Case studies from all recruiting communities are available on request.
RNLI media contacts
For more information, please contact Danielle Rush, RNLI Media Relations Manager for Wales, the West and the Isle of Man on 07786 668829 or [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.