Chiswick RNLI welcomes Joel Dommett for day in the life of an RNLI volunteer
Chiswick RNLI opened their doors to welcome Joel Dommett and his wife Hannah Cooper. The couple were met by the stations’ current on duty crew and given a tour of the station and it’s in house accommodation. Chiswick is one of four 24/7 crewed stations.
Their trip started with meeting the crew currently on shift and a tour of the stations’ facilities. Chiswick RNLI is one of four RNLI lifeboat station that is crewed 24/7. After a cup of tea and welcoming chat, Joel and Hannah were shown how to don RNLI kit and lifejackets. A time trial was then completed, alongside a volunteer crew member, to see if they can kit themselves in the 90 seconds Chiswick RNLI are required to be kitted and on the boat within.
Once happy and having completed the task is a reasonable time, they de-kitted to learn some basic first aid. They were talked through the correct procedure for CPR and the differences between performing it on children and adults. As new parents they found this very beneficial and more confident on what to do in an emergency.
They were then taken down to the stations’ E-class lifeboats to be shown the roles each crew member is responsible for onboard. After which, they discussed some of the most common rescues the crew at Chiswick RNLI launch to and answer any questions Joel and Hannah had.
To end their visit, the crew helped Joel and Hannah learn a few basic knots regularly used by RNLI crew when on a callout. These knots are universal and can be used in all scenarios, not just when at sea.
Joel and Hannah left the lifeboat station saying ‘it’s amazing, it’s wonderful’ and that they were both thinking of volunteering.
To hear them talk about their visit to Chiswick RNLI, please listen to their podcast Never Have I Ever: Never Have I Ever with Joel Dommett & Hannah Cooper - Podcast
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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 over 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and, in a normal year, 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 144,000 lives.
RNLI at 200
On 4 March 2024, the RNLI celebrates 200 years of saving lives at sea – thanks to volunteers giving their time to save others, all funded by voluntary public donations. Throughout its 200th anniversary year, the charity is running events and activities to commemorate its history, celebrate the lifesaving service it provides today, and inspire generations of future lifesavers and supporters. For more information visit RNLI.org/200.
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.