Aberdeen RNLI seeking volunteers
Aberdeen RNLI is on the lookout for volunteers. They need new team members to support its life-saving work off the Aberdeen coast and along the Dee and Don rivers. The RNLI relies primarily on volunteers. They account for 95% of its team in Aberdeen and throughout the UK and Ireland.
Aberdeen RNLI lifeboat station currently has 24 crew members and 12 onshore operations support volunteers. They are vital in maintaining 24-hour coverage for the lifeboat, 365 days a year. Volunteers come from all walks of life and receive comprehensive training.
It is essential that volunteer crews be relatively local to the station and have convenient transportation. This will enable them to respond quickly to pagers and work in a position that allows them to act when the pager sounds off.
Life as a crew member is anything but predictable
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 fantastic crew of passionate people.”
Aberdeen’s lifeboats, Bon Accord and Buoy Woody 85N, are operated by raising funds through local community and business events. Furthermore, these funds ensure that crews receive vital training and equipment, as well as that the station remains operational.
Fundraising roles are flexible to suit your lifestyle
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.
“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.”
If you would like more information about volunteer crew positions, contact the lifeboat station at aberdeen@rnli.org.uk and for fundraising roles, contact rnli.aberdeen@gmail.com.
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Kevin Mitchell and Chris Sansbury founded POST. This was from a desire to cut through the noise to share the great things that happen in Aberdeen. They focus on community, culture and also the interesting people of the city. The local artists, businesses and charities; photographers, musicians and entertainers. These are the people that make a positive impact on our city every day. So they use video, audio, writing and social media to amplify the voices in our community. And to ultimately give a platform to Aberdeen folk to engage and tell their own stories.
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