Opportunity to volunteer at RNLI Mablethorpe

With covid restrictions being gradually eased in England, more people are expected to visit the coast and the RNLI team at Mablethorpe is looking for extra people to join them to help spread the charity’s lifesaving messages and keep them safe on the coast.
By The Newsroom
Published 30th Apr 2021, 15:34 BST
Updated 30th Apr 2021, 16:36 BST
A stock image of the Mablethorpe RNLI in action, prior to the coronavirus pandemic.A stock image of the Mablethorpe RNLI in action, prior to the coronavirus pandemic.
A stock image of the Mablethorpe RNLI in action, prior to the coronavirus pandemic.

There are a number of roles available including lifeboat crew, shore crew who help launch and recover the lifeboats, and tractor drivers whose role it is to transport the lifeboats between the station and the sea, all of which are vital to saving lives at sea.

Mablethorpe RNLI is home to two inshore lifeboats, on call 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year, and is funded entirely by donations. To date this year, Mablethorpe’s two lifeboats have launched a total of eight times.

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The charity is hoping to attract people from all walks of life and new recruits don’t need to have sea-going experience to get involved.

Neil Herbert, RNLI volunteer deputy launching authority, said: “Only 10 per cent of our new recruits come with professional maritime experience; our current lifeboat crew is testament to this as we have volunteers from all walks of life.

“We are seeking enthusiastic people who have some spare time who are looking for a new challenge and wish to help make a difference.’

All volunteers are subject to current Covid-19 restrictions and as such the lifeboat station is currently closed to visitors.

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Therefore, introductions and training will take place when safe and able to be carried out under strict pandemic social distancing measures.

The RNLI provides comprehensive training (subject to current Covid-19 regulations) to turn ordinary people into lifesavers and by volunteering people will gain some unique experience, knowledge and skills with the team in Mablethorpe.

Will Bruce, who works as an electrician, is one of the more recent recruits at Mablethorpe, having been with the station for five months.

Will said: “I joined the RNLI as a shore crew member to give something back to the community and the friendship and camaraderie at the station is second to none. I feel a great sense of pride.”

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Davina Silk has been with the station for two months and is following in the footsteps of her father who was a crew member for 22 years.

Davina said: “I would encourage others to volunteer as there is a great sense of fulfilment when you are able to contribute to the saving of peoples lives.”

To qualify as lifeboat crew, volunteers need to be aged between 17-55; live or work within six miles of the station at Mablethorpe; be generally fit and healthy.

l For more information, contact Mark Chambers on 07989 125128, Neil Herbert on 07711 857189, or Dale Chapman on 07834 924834.

Related topics:England