New volunteers needed at Dartmouth RNLI Visitor Centre

The visitor centre is run entirely by volunteers and has been open since July 2015. Attractions at the centre include a D class lifeboat, where visitors can dress up in lifeboat operations gear and climb into the lifeboat, and a large screen where people can watch real-life RNLI rescue footage. There is also an RNLI shop which stocks an excellent range of unique and competitively priced souvenirs and gifts including homeware, clothing, keyrings, and toys, all to raise vital funds to save lives.

Volunteering at the RNLI is an incredibly rewarding opportunity and plays a vital role raising money for the local lifeboat station. Tracey Lucas, Dartmouth’s RNLI Volunteer Manager said;

'When we started the RNLI visitor centre in 2015, I knew it had potential, but I did not foresee what a success it has become and what a key attraction it is for the town.

Working a few hours a week in the visitor centre is a joy. I work with a wonderful team, and we get to meet and talk with so many people. The RNLI has a great appeal to our visitors and the positive responses we receive make volunteering so rewarding.’

Sebastian Webster, RNLI Marketing & Visitor Experience Lead in the south west says;

‘We are eager to expand our current team and have a bigger group of volunteers on hand to help at our visitor centre in Dartmouth. You will have fun, meet new people, and learn new skills. It is the perfect chance to gain experience to enhance your CV and gain the satisfaction of giving back.’

RNLI volunteer, Danni, who has worked at the RNLI Dart visitor centre for a year, added;

‘It is such a rewarding place to work - I never get tired of hearing youngsters’ excitement as they dress up and play act as crew on the lifeboat. Visitors make a point of saying how much they think of the work the RNLI does. And the team are a joy to be part of - dedicated and supportive through and through.’

If you are interested and can spare a few hours a week, please contact RNLI Volunteer Manager, Tracey Lucas, at [email protected] or 07850 578127 to find out more. Training and support will be provided.

Notes to editors

· Photos of the RNLI Dart Visitor centre and shop (Credit: RNLI)

· The Dart RNLI is currently running a fundraising appeal to raise money towards the costs to renovate the old lifeboat station at Ferry View, into a permanent home for Dart RNLI. More information can be found here: https://rnli.org/support-us/give-money/give-to-a-special-appeal/dart-local-appeal

RNLI media contacts

For more information please contact Emily Bray, RNLI Media Engagement Placement, at [email protected], or 07929673281 or Emma Haines, RNLI Regional Media Officer, on 07786 668847 or [email protected].

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For more information on the RNLI please visit rnli.org. News releases and other media resources, including RSS feeds, downloadable photos and video, are available at the RNLI News Centre rnli.org/news-and-media.

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.

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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.