New volunteers needed in the Isle of Man to help RNLI save lives at sea

In Ramsey and Port Erin, there is a particular need not only for general fundraisers but also for shop volunteers. The situation is similar in Peel, with a recruitment drive underway for fundraisers and additional help to run a retail outlet attached to the fundraising branch. Port St Mary and Douglas would also welcome new volunteers.

Angie Collins who is originally from Northamptonshire, became an RNLI volunteer when she moved to the Isle of Man in 2016.

‘Having had previous careers in the emergency services and education it was natural to want to continue to help people and do something for my new community. Also working in the shop provided opportunity to make new friends, get involved with fun social events.’

Angie explained that living close to an RNLI shop is not a requirement. Fundraising volunteers are an important way people living in communities across the island can do their bit to save lives at sea. Angie is currently a retail volunteer at the Ramsey shop and says volunteers from across the island would be welcome to apply. She adds:

‘Unlike volunteer lifeboat crew, retail volunteers do not have to live in close proximity to the shop. At our shop, we have some volunteers who travel in from Kirk Michael for example.’

Just like the charity’s lifeboats based at Peel, Ramsey, Port Erin, Port St Mary and Douglas, 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.

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.

Edd Christian, Coxswain at Douglas Lifeboat Station is also involved as an RNLI Visits Officer: He says:

‘Cliché as it sounds, the thing I love most about the RNLI is genuinely helping people in distress. There is something about the charity that gets into your blood and becomes part of normal life. I’ve met hundreds of people from all walks of life within the institution. People who I’ve learned vast amount of skills and advice that has helped me be who I am today. Interacting with the public drives forward the values of the service and when you share your personal experiences with them and the incredible history, seeing their faces light up and smile affirms why we do what we do. We are just ordinary people doing extraordinary things. ‘

Edd joined the RNLI after returning to the island for work and followed in the footsteps of his father and uncle to become a volunteer. He adds:

‘It seemed like the natural thing to do for me. I have over the years met lifelong friends, learned skills that I use on a daily basis. The continued support and training are of the highest quality and I am proud to be part of such a wonderful organisation.

‘The RNLI is not just lifeboats. In reality there wouldn’t be any lifeboats without the vast amount of people and teams behind the scenes, who all together make it possible to launch a lifeboat to aid someone. Without donations, fundraising, legacies, station management teams, international, education, water safety, boat builders, coastal maintenance, mechanics, trainers and shore crew, our assets would not be able to launch. The RNLI is one crew, consolidating thousands of individuals that come together to keep the charity alive.

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

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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.