How you can volunteer

As a charity, the RNLI relies on volunteering to power its lifesaving service. From lifeboat crews to press officers, fundraisers to shop volunteers, people like you who help in all sorts of ways.

Volunteering roles

Group shot of RNLI volunteers stood outside Anstruther Lifeboat Station with their inshore and all-weather lifeboats and launch vehicles
Be a lifeboat station volunteer
From the shore to the lifeboat, there are a variety of volunteer roles at our lifeboat stations.
Be a lifeboat station volunteer
RNLI Lifeguard Hugo is smiling at the camera and is stood in front of the sea on Llangrannog Beach, Wales
Be a lifeguard volunteer
Use your skills as a qualified lifeguard or support our lifeguards on the beach.
Be a lifeguard volunteer
An RNLI water safety volunteer is holding a lifeboat crew helmet and teaching children about it
Be a water safety volunteer
Help make sure everyone gets to go home safely through education and water safety advice. 
Be a water safety volunteer
RNLI fundraising volunteer Suresh Bharwaney collecting at Waterloo train station.
Be a fundraising and events volunteer
Rally support, raise vital funds and join our fundraising volunteer crew
Be a fundraising and events volunteer
Shop volunteer Rosie holding teddy bears outside an RNLI shop
Be a shop volunteer
Our seaside shops can’t open without volunteers like you helping our charity.
Be a shop volunteer
RNLI ambassador Gerald Beddard volunteers as an RNLI College Tour Guide and a bosun
Promote the RNLI
Use your passion for the RNLI to promote our lifesaving work and inspire new supporters.
Promote the RNLI
Office support volunteer Samantha Salmond helps out in the RNLI’s People department
Be an office and support volunteer
Use your skills and talent behind the scenes to support our lifesaving service.
Be an office and support volunteer
RNLI heritage volunteers outside the RNLI Grace Darling Museum at Bamburgh, Northumberland
Be a heritage and museum volunteer
Fuel your passion for history and help keep our stories of courage and innovation alive.
Be a heritage and museum volunteer
RNLI relief Mersey class lifeboat, Lifetime Care 12-11, being transported by road to a temporary home
Be a trustee, advisory and council volunteer
Use your experience and expertise to support the running of the charity. 
Be a trustee, advisory and council volunteer
A group of men and women dressed in RNLI branded clothing are smiling and clapping their hands.
Quick ways to volunteer
Fancy volunteering but don’t have the time to commit to a role? We’ve got some quick, easy ways to support our lifesaving service. 
find out more