Volunteers are very much at the heart of the RNLI. The charity's lifesaving service could not exist without their passion and relies on an army of willing helpers to go out in lifeboats, to fundraise, to promote safety and to help in a surprising number of other ways

The pagers go off. Men and women drop everything and dash to the station. They rush out of work, homes and supermarkets; from their lunch, maybe their child’s birthday party.

Meanwhile, the station’s mechanic is firing up the lifeboat’s engines. The launchers are making ready the equipment; simultaneously the Lifeboat Operations Manager or Deputy Launching Authority is liaising with the Coastguard and Coxswain on what's needed. The crew arrive, then they’re off.

While the crew are on their way to someone in trouble, fundraisers are making sure enough funds are coming in to keep the service running or manning the RNLI shop. An education presenter is in a local school telling children about beach safety. A sea safety officer is talking to yacht club members. Someone else is making cakes for a fundraising sale at the weekend.

Further inland, branch and guild members are planning a fundraising auction. On the beach, volunteeer lifeguards are supporting the full-time lifeguards and, at a boatshow, more are manning the RNLI stand.

On the same day, at the same time, all of these wonderful people are playing their part to keep the service running. And, incredibly, the vast majority of those just mentioned are volunteers.

Big society?
There was a lot of media coverage last year about UK PM David Cameron’s hope to bring volunteering to the forefront – as demonstrated during the 2012 London Olympics and Paralympics.

But, our RNLI volunteers have demonstrated that strong sense of community and have been keeping the service running for nearly 200 years, since the first RNLI volunteer, Sir William Hillary, founded the institution in 1824. Around the coasts of the UK, RoI, the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands, communities have come together to save lives at sea and have had a sense of belonging to one big RNLI family.

In recognition of the RNLI’s volunteering ethos, in December 2012 we received a Diamond Jubilee Volunteering Award. On this and the following pages you will be able to meet just a few of these special people and find out what being a volunteer really means.

Oh I'm just a volunteer

RNLI volunteers come from all walks of life. Our youngest operational volunteer is 16, while our oldest is in his 90s and is a Branch President.

When you think of RNLI volunteers, most people immediately think of crew members and fundraisers. Yet volunteers with varying interests, who come to the fore in the volunteering roles they choose such as telling stories, stirring the imagination and bringing things to life (and not just the people we rescue), are just as important.

So just who are our volunteers? Crofters, cycle mechanics and company directors; fencers, firefighters and foresters – they’re just some of our RNLI volunteers’ day jobs. Coming from all geographical locations, with a raft of skills and range of ages, they’re an amazing group of people who give up their spare time to make an incredible difference.

At the forefront of our lifesaving service are over 8,000 volunteer crew, lifeguards, shore helpers, managers and other operational officials. And then there are thousands more dedicated fundraisers who help to raise over £140M each year – money that saves lives.

Over 24,400 people were rescued and aided in 2012, some of whom kindly wrote to us: ‘It was a terrifying experience for us.’

‘I know I was one of the lucky ones.’ ‘When I saw them, I knew we were safe. They were so kind and kept on reassuring me.’ ‘Thank you for saving my daddy and my uncle, it means the world to me.’

These survivors and their families will be eternally grateful to the volunteer lifeboat crews and lifeguards. They highlight the incredible work of the thousands of volunteers who work tirelessly, without salary and of their own free will, to support the RNLI.

True inspirations
Pauline Carson has been a driving force behind her small community fundraising branch for the last 30 years. Recently crowned Diamond Champion, a WRVS award recognising the contribution that people over the age of 60 make through volunteering, Pauline’s long commitment and tireless enthusiasm inspire many younger volunteers.

An RNLI Gold Badge award similarly recognised Tom Robertson’s contribution for his 39 operational years as a crew member, helmsman and now Lifeboat Operations Manager. Rose Ritchie, 80, with her flair for shops, stock and souvenirs, has been recognised with a British Empire Medal for her inspiring dedication to the RNLI shop in Queensferry.

On the other hand, a group of pre-school children from St Monan’s Nursery demonstrated that you only need to donate a few hours for a good cause. Following a visit to their local lifeboat station, they did a sponsored walk and returned with their little pockets bulging with £186.15.

And other community volunteers from the RNLI’s Badger Hill and Heslington Guild gave up their time over 3 days and baked their hearts out for an art exhibition near Wetherby in January, with money raised going to the RNLI.

There are endless ways to volunteer, including some quite quirky opportunities for pianists, painters, gardeners, photographers, lawyers, feature writers, Stormy Stan mascot outfit wearers – they’ve all been on our wanted list. A recent role that attracted huge interest was a lifejacket recycling/decommissioning assistant, which involved disassembling over 8,000 old lifejackets and removing the fabric so that it could be recycled to raise vital lifesaving funds.

All sectors of the organisation provide gateways to new opportunities, some offering responsibility or the chance to serve on a committee while others allow you just to do the job you’ve volunteered for. You could even become an intern for 12 weeks to work on specific RNLI projects. The 21 interns in 2012 came from all walks of life and age groups.

Tom Clare’s 12-week internship really ignited a passion for the lifesaving work of the RNLI: ‘It’s a great way for me to utilise my skills while at the same time hone new ones and it led me to continue volunteering at the end of it.’

Skills and smiles
But what skills would we be grateful for? Maybe you have the professional skills we need in our offices, out and about, and at regional bases around the UK and RoI. Or perhaps you have that all-important fabulous winning smile, are able to offer a hand, make tea, cheer people on, answer queries, give directions, paint walls or even faces. From an hour, to an evening, a day or 39 years, there’s space for you to donate your skills to the RNLI.

Why volunteer?
Every volunteer has their own reasons and the benefits can be enormous – to them, their family and community, and the RNLI.

Bill Nathan started fundraising after he was rescued by the RNLI and Hilary Fletcher helps raise funds in memory of her husband who enjoyed being at sea. Holly De Roy just had a desire to help: ‘I love the sense of community in the stations and was surprised that like me, so many of the volunteers had no special experience before.’

Mark Southwell, Lifeboat Operations Manager at Cowes, says: ‘When I retired I wanted to give something back and share my skills and experience with others, so volunteering for the RNLI was ideal.’

Bill Devonshire moved to a new area and didn’t know anyone so he wanted to volunteer somewhere where he could meet interesting people. Now he welcomes visitors of all ages at the RNLI’s Grace Darling Museum.

Sam Gilman, on the other hand, isn’t able to volunteer all the time so is an All Hands on Deck volunteer. He gets a message asking for his help once a month and he does whenever he can.

Fun and enjoyable
Crew Member Andy Salmon sums up volunteering with these words: ‘It’s fun and enjoyable and you never stop learning – every day’s a school day. But most importantly it’s rewarding and you feel like you have made a difference.’

Whatever the volunteer role, the RNLI’s Volunteer Commitment clearly sets out the hopes and expectations to benefit both parties. We provide guidance, support and the tools needed along with access toa wide range of online courses, resources and training, while new volunteers can ask questions and share ideas.

We’ve often overheard our volunteers say: ‘Oh, I’m just a volunteer,’ but their passion and enthusiasm, time they give, and the skills and experience they share are invaluable. We value every volunteer, recognising and rewarding some of their remarkable achievements and commitment at the Annual Presentation of Awards.

For the tens of thousands of RNLI volunteers, the words of Linda Clark, the wife of one of two people rescued last year, are gratitude enough: ‘Thank you. Without these guys at West Kirby I would be a widow and my baby granddaughter wouldn’t have a daddy. Words are not enough for what they did.’

Making things happen

Volunteer lifeboat crew and lifeguards springing into action are the ‘visible’ part of turning the RNLI’s vision into reality. Behind the scenes is the ‘invisible’ hard work and selfless generosity of countless other ordinary people.

Could you help?
The range of volunteering opportunities is huge and we need more volunteers to help us. ‘But I’m already a supporter,’ we hear you say. ‘I haven’t got enough time or energy to help. Maybe I’ll do that tomorrow.’

With busy lives, it can be hard to find time to volunteer but what’s great about RNLI volunteering is that there’s lots of choice, including how much time you give.

For some roles, such as a volunteer crew member, we need full commitment, while with others you can help once in a while. Whatever skills and experience you have, there’s more than likely something that you could do, and there are roles to suit all ages. The right match can provide a meaningful and worthwhile volunteering experience, help you find friends, enable you to learn new skills, and even advance your career. Volunteering is also fun!

You really could make things happen so, if you can help, please join our team of dedicated volunteers. Take the plunge today and find out what’s available. We can’t wait to hear from you!

Rebecca Killip:
Knitter, Isle of Man (pictured right)
I don’t really think of myself as a volunteer, just someone who does a bit of knitting that raises money for the RNLI. Knitting is my hobby. My great aunt, who was a very keen RNLI supporter, taught me how to knit when I was a little girl.

I have two children and, when they started school, I really got back into knitting and started selling what I made. Then a friend of mine, Eve Kelly, started up a craft fair in aid of the RNLI. Her husband is a crew member and her family are very committed fundraisers. That led me to sell knitted lifeboatmen and other toys, with 50% of the proceeds from the lifeboatmen going to Port St Mary Lifeboat Station.

The RNLI is central to the Isle of Man – we have five lifeboat stations and lots of fundraisers. What I do is just a small part of that. But it’s nice to know my knits raise a few pounds for the lifeboat crew, to help keep them safe.

Beverley Miller
Station volunteer and former intern
Having got hooked on windsurfing, it was a no-brainer to become an RNLI Shoreline member.

Then, after witnessing a near disaster involving some kite and windsurfers in 2003 (which I helped to avert by calling 999), I made enquiries at RNLI Headquarters as to how I might help more. I was invited to join the team of Sea Safety volunteers at major events. Through these engagements I came to realise that I was good at talking to people and I loved doing it!

Towards the end of my teaching career, I had additional free time to help the charity. So, in 2011, I applied for a volunteer post for 3 days a week as a research intern. My role involved identifying certain potential donors. At the same time, Shoreham Lifeboat Station needed volunteers to give tours and run the station shop. Now, having been a visits guide and assisting at special donor days for 2 years so far, I have significantly upgraded my knowledge; but there is always someone who knows still more fascinating bits and bobs!

The best things for me are being part of a big team of station volunteers and the delight I get from greeting visitors. They invariably leave agog and with broad smiles across their faces. Hurrah!

Lucy Astbury and Lindsay Wilson:
Interns
Both: We have been volunteering at the RNLI Grace Darling Museum for 3 weeks. Our internship is about making improvements to the museum for visually impaired people. The museum contains lots of objects that are sensitive to light so the gallery is a bit dark.

We’re working together to find a solution. We made contact with someone who works with information for visually impaired people at a regional museum and we are going to meet him to find out more about what works and what doesn’t. We’re really happy with the internship. We’ve been made really welcome. Everyone has been very helpful and there's a constant tea supply!

Lindsay (left): I wanted to offer my own personal experience of being visually impaired. I have already learned about best practice in museum displays.

Lucy (right): I applied as the role was perfect – it directly relates to the qualification I have just achieved and have found out a great deal about the various tools used in museums to help the visually impaired. I’ve just got a new job. I mentioned the internship in the interview and the company seemed really impressed.

Si Bristow:
Lifeguard Supervisor and volunteer fundraiser, Tyne and Wear
I am a paid RNLI employee throughout the year, but I like to give a lot back.

Swimming was my background. I’m passionate about water safety and I formed a Royal Life Saving Society UK club in 2010. We’re all volunteers at the clubs. I’m very proud how my RNLI job fits in with my own philosophies on volunteering.

On the beaches we welcome volunteers. We bring beginners onboard, teach them about the communication side of things, paperwork and interaction with the public. They just can’t get in the water or do the casualty care. But, we’re aiming to increase the number of qualified volunteer RNLI lifeguards to help us.

There are experienced lifeguards who volunteer on the lifeboats here. The crew ask me why I don’t volunteer on the lifeboat crew, but I haven’t got the time. So instead, I join them for fundraising events. Everybody chips in – it’s a good community spirit.

James Millidge:
Youth Education Manager and volunteer lifeguard
I was a volunteer lifeguard at Perranporth for a few days during the 2012 school Summer holidays. Although now working full-time for RNLI Youth Education, I had a strong background in lifeguarding so was able to hit the ground running.

On the first day there were at least 1,000 people swimming in between the red and yellow flags. When the tide dropped out and rip currents started to appear we advised people to stay between the flags. I was amazed at the patience that the lifeguards had with the general public who ignored them.

During my stint volunteering, several young people were swept out in the rips and needed rescuing. We also treated weever-fish stings, a man with a large gash to his head and reunited children with their parents.

It really highlighted the importance of what we do in RNLI Youth Education and how our Education volunteers help children to identify dangers at the beach and listen to the lifeguards.

Helen Bevan
President, Ennis Fundraising Branch, Co Clare
I had never heard of the RNLI until seeing a lifeboat rescue on television. My husband turned to me and said: “Helen, if I ever want to help anybody I want to help those people.”

Fifteen years later, my husband died and I was on the ferry bringing his ashes to the UK. I looked down into the water and thought: “Gosh, I remember John’s words.” I asked the Captain how I could get in touch with the lifeboat people. That’s how it all started.

I go to the stores around Limerick and Ennis and ask: “Have you got a little lifeboat [collection box]? Would you like one?” And people can’t give enough. Every time I go in, the boxes are full.

I would advise people if they have any spare time to think about the RNLI. I’ve made a lot of friends. I still think about my husband, and isn’t it a much nicer tribute than a headstone to be doing something that saves lives?

Alan Dixon
Ex-crew, RNLI Deputy Launching Authority (DLA) and Sea Safety Officer
I got captured by the RNLI! Being in the sailing community, you can’t just walk away from it.

I do sea safety talks to yacht clubs and, as DLA, I’m on duty nights and weekends. I help out where I can. My wife’s very supportive – your family has to be.

I remember being on the crew at Sunderland with Gerry Finn. Once we got called out and Gerry was at home in the bath. Ten minutes later he was standing in the North Sea trying to get us launched! We had no woolly bear thermal suits for insulation in those days. It took me 2 days to warm up.

Crew are tremendously well looked after now and so they should be. We’re never short of volunteers here. There’s a steady patter of feet to the door.

Volunteering’s very fulfilling. You feel you’re giving something back to the community. When you pull somebody into the boat – that gets you buzzing ... for years.

The best thing about it is your fellow volunteers. There’s a special relationship between people who have served on lifeboats – you’ve been on jobs in danger with them. That just lives forever.