Volunteers are the heart of the RNLI and make up 95% of our people both in Aberdeen and across the UK and Irelands 238 stations. They are ordinary people who do extraordinary things and without them we couldn’t save lives at sea. Aberdeen RNLI lifeboat station is currently on the look out for volunteers to join our lifesaving crew and onshore fundraising support teams.
The local lifeboat station currently has 24 crew and 12 onshore operations support volunteers who are vital in ensuring that the lifeboat is crewed and ready to launch 24/7, 365 days a year. Volunteers come from all walks of life and all training is provided.
Our volunteer crew are the backbone of the lifeboat service, physically saving lives at sea. They are available 24/7, whatever the weather, to rescue those in need of help. Volunteer lifeboat crew members, together with the coxswain and/or helm, operate the lifeboats during rescues and ensure the safety of casualties. As well as going out on rescues, lifeboat crew members also commit to regular training in boat handling, radio communications, casualty care, navigation and radar operation.
John Strathearn, Lifeboat Operations Manager at Aberdeen RNLI, said: “Life as a crew member is anything but predictable. You can be expected to be called away from family, your bed or work at any time, so it is a big commitment, but it is also incredibly rewarding. In return, we offer extensive training and support for our volunteers.
“We speak to members of the public all the time who don’t realise that the lifeboat service is a charity and that our crew are volunteers. But, they’re ready to drop everything to get into their kit and head to sea in all weathers to save lives at sea. Volunteering for the lifeboat station in Aberdeen is a great way to support the local community, learn new skills and volunteer alongside a fantasic crew of passionate people.”
Volunteer crew should be relatively local to the station, with suitable transportation in order to respond quickly to a shout and work in a role and location that will allow them flexibility to act at when the pager goes.
In 2019, it was reported that it cost £181.5m to keep the RNLI operational around the UK and around 95% of total income comes from donations. But, without the support of fundraising volunteers, the RNLI could not operate in the city. Raising funds through events in both local community and business engagement, ensures that Aberdeen’s lifeboats boats’, Bon Accord and Buoy Woody 85N, are operational; that crews receive vital training and equipment; and that the station is kept in operational condition.
Donald Montgomery, Chairperson of Aberdeen & District RNLI Lifeboat Fundraising Branch, commented: “We rely on the generosity of our supporters to help us meet operational running costs with the dedication of our fundraising volunteers to help raise these essential funds. The RNLI currently has around 23,000 community volunteers across the UK and Ireland who are committed to raising funds to save lives at sea.
“Our fundraising roles are flexible to suit your lifestyle. If you’re looking to join a committed and fun group of people, learn new skills and give back to your local community, we want to hear from you.”
For more information about volunteer crew positions, contact the lifeboat station at aberdeen@rnli.org.uk and for fundraising roles, contact rnli.aberdeen@gmail.com.