Education volunteer
'I joined the RNLI's Youth Volunteer Group over 8 years ago and believe that this educational activity is vital for raising the awareness of the dangers on the foreshore and sea, for young people. It is an activity that I find very satisfying and would recommend to any aspiring volunteer.'
Alan Stephenson, Volunteer Education Presenter
Intern
'I applied for the Internship having taken redundancy from a senior role in Marketing, so was concerned I may be perceived as ‘over qualified’, but this was not the case. It gave me an excellent insight in to the RNLI, the world of charity and events and an opportunity to make a contribution, which helped me gat a paid role in the charity sector.'
Laura Hickman-Sparkes, Volunteer Events Intern - Manchester
Lifeboat Operations Manager
‘I first went on the water at the age of 8 and was hooked! So made teaching rib and launch driving as a Customs Officer my chosen profession. When I retired I wanted to give something back and share my skills and experience with others, so volunteering for the RNLI was the ideal way for me to do this.’
Mark Southwell, Volunteer Lifeboat Operations Manager, Cowes lifeboat station
Sea Safety Volunteer
'I volunteer for the RNLI because I have always loved the sea and sailing has been in my blood since a school boy. Its wonderful to be part of the RNLI team saving lives at sea giving Sea Safety advice . The RNLI's training is the best in the world.'
Bill Walton, Sea Safety Volunteer
Shop volunteer
'I volunteer for the RNLI because when I moved to a coastal community I felt that I wanted to do some volunteering and had supported the RNLI in the past. So I was keen to support our local lifeboat crew and give something back.
Linda Wallis, Volunteer Shop Helper, Swanage, Dorset
Shore crew
'The reason I joined the Lifeboat was I used to be a fisherman and always felt comforted knowing that the RNLI would always be able to come and get us if something went wrong. Now that I am no longer a fisherman I wanted to become the person who can instill that comfort in others that are in a similar position as I used to be in.'
Malcolm MacDonald, Tractor Driver and Shore Crew, Ramsey Lifeboat station, Isle of Man
Volunteer crew
‘After spending all my youth either in the sea or on it, joining the local lifeboat crew was a natural progression. Through the RNLI’s continuous, competency based training programme I have expanded my skills from crewman to ILB helmsman, to offshore navigator and radar operator. Each step increases your own confidence which in turn reduces the panic in a casualty when you arrive.’
Volunteer lifeboat crew, Aldeburgh Lifeboat station, Suffolk
Volunteer Lifeguard
'I volunteered in 2011 for several reasons firstly as an ideal way and opportunity to help the community through the RNLI charity who I respect for saving lives at sea. Secondly to help me gain experience to hopefully apply for a Lifeguard position in 2012 which would then be the ideal summer job to help me finance my time at university.'
Ryan Spray, Volunteer Lifeguard, Perranporth Beach/ Carrick, Cornwall
Branch/Fundraiser
Barbara has been an active volunteer since moving back to Dover five years ago.
'Our volunteer crewmen and women go out in all weathers, so it's vital that we raise funds to ensure that their training and equipment is of the highest standard. We want our volunteer lifeboat crew and the people they rescue to come home safely So, that’s why I’ve been an active volunteer for the RNLI since moving back to Dover five years ago.'
Barbara Stapleton, Chair of the Dover Lifeboat Fundraisers
Museum
'When I moved here I didn’t know anyone so I wanted to volunteer somewhere I could meet interesting people. I really enjoy being involved in welcoming visitors of all ages to the Museum, sharing my knowledge of the collection and suggesting things that they may want to look at. I’m really thrilled to be receiving a Bronze Badge this year in recognition of my volunteer service to the RNLI – it’s an honour.’
Bill Devonshire, Volunteer at the RNLI’s Grace Darling Museum
Office
‘I first started volunteering for the RNLI as part of the 12 week Internship scheme, which was a fantastic introduction to the wonderful work of the RNLI. It really ignited a passion for the lifesaving work of the RNLI, and led me to continue volunteering after the end of the internship. Volunteering is a great way for me to utilise my skills, giving something back to a cause I believe passionately in, whilst at the same time honing new skills in an open, friendly and rewarding environment.’
Tom Clare, Volunteer Content Writer, Poole