West Kirby RNLI needs you - play your part in saving lives at sea

West Kirby RNLI is looking for new volunteers to join its dedicated crew - particularly lifeboat crew, launch vehicle drivers and shore crew, who have availability during weekdays (8am-6pm) and/or weekends, and who either live or work in the CH48 area.

You don’t need any previous maritime experience to get involved. What you do need is enthusiasm, a team mindset and the commitment to make a real positive difference within your community and to the RNLI’s ongoing 200 year tradition of saving lives at sea.

There are operational and support roles available for everyone, with comprehensive training available to support you getting on board, covering seamanship and navigation to casualty care. If you are interested in joining in as lifeboat crew, shore crew, a launch vehicle driver (UK driving licence required) or within the branch support team (including roles covering administration, station visits, operational support and fundraising), please get in touch.

The station will be hosting opportunities to meet the crew, look at the BV, lifeboat and equipment and ask any questions.

The team are keen to hear from people aged 18 to 55 for lifeboat crew, or up to 65 for launch vehicle and shore crew roles. Volunteers should live or work within the CH48 postcode and be able to commit to monthly training exercises, a monthly crew meeting and be ready to respond to the pager when the call for help comes.

Richard Diamond, West Kirby RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager said:

‘We’re often asked if people need to have experience at sea to join - the answer is absolutely not. Many of our volunteers come to us with no maritime experience at all and from a variety of backgrounds: teachers, lawyers, stay-at-home parents, emergency service workers, students, amongst others.

‘What matters most is that you’re committed, reliable and keen to learn. If you can give your time and commitment, we can give you the rest, providing all the training and support you’ll need.

‘We have a close-knit, sociable team here at West Kirby who really support one another and that goes for new starters too. You’ll be joining a friendly, inclusive crew who take pride in helping both each other and those we assist by the coast.

‘If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to be part of a lifesaving team, or you know someone who’d be perfect, now’s the time to get in touch. Every role plays a crucial part in saving lives at sea.

‘For more information or to express your interest, get in touch with [email protected] or send us a direct message on Instagram @westkirbylifeboat or Facebook at RNLI West Kirby Lifeboat and we’ll get back to you - we’d love to hear from you.’

Notes to Editor:

• Andy Brown, West Kirby RNLI Launch Authority is available for media interviews to talk about the roles in more detail and what it’s like to be a part of the West Kirby RNLI crew.

• For nearly 60 years an inshore lifeboat in West Kirby has covered the Dee Estuary of the Wirral peninsula. The lifeboat crew are all volunteers, headed up by the Lifeboat Operations Manager and Launching Authorities, all supported by a Shore Crew team. The wider team includes volunteer fundraisers, press officers, treasurers and water safety officers.

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,000 lives.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, X, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.