Cowes RNLI station is looking for new volunteers to join its thriving community of people helping to save lives in the Solent.
The annual intake of shore crew invites anyone aged 18+ living and/or working within 5 minutes of the station to sign up and spend a few hours a month training to launch its Atlantic 85 lifeboat, the Sheena Louise.
Recruits begin their training as shore crew, helping to launch and recover the lifeboat during exercise and responding to a pager for rescue launches. They learn skills such as ropework, use of VHF radios, local knowledge, first aid and more.
Shore crew prepare the boat for launch and are essential to the crew's safety and ability to conduct rescues.
After fully qualifying as shore crew, volunteers become eligible to be considered for a position on the lifeboat’s afloat crew, if and when vacancies arise.
Luca, one of the station’s youngest volunteers (pictured above), said:
“I joined the RNLI when I was 17 years old because it was a dream from a very young age .
It’s been incredibly rewarding, and a great opportunity to give back to the local community while developing my skills.
"There’s no experience required to join – if you’re interested, now is your chance to get involved.”
Jules Lennon, pictured alongside Luca above, said:
“Cowes RNLI station is a welcoming community made up of volunteers from different backgrounds and ages.
"We are an active station, looking out onto one of the world's busiest shipping waterways, so we get lots of opportunities to learn and develop our skills.
"All you need is an interest in the RNLI’s work, and a few spare hours every month.”
The annual intake for volunteers is coming up, with a deadline of the 13 September.
Prospective volunteers will then have a chance to visit the station for a tour, find out more about the training, and meet crew members before joining.
Interested in volunteering with Cowes RNLI? Reach out to [email protected].
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