Burnham’s BARB Search & Rescue is to hold a recruitment day later this month when new volunteers will be able to find out more about getting involved.
The charity, which has been running for over 20 years, had one of its busiest years ever in 2015 with a high number of call-outs to incidents across Somerset.
Volunteers over the age of 18 are being sought for a variety of roles with the organisation’s hovercrafts and inshore rescue boats, and a full training programme is in place.
“BARB Search & Rescue could not provide this valuable community service without the commitment and enthusiasm of our team members – both operational and support,” said a spokesman.
“We aim to take on a new group of trainees every year. Anyone is welcome to apply to be a trainee, providing they can demonstrate they have the required commitment, some relevant expertise, and are willing to learn new skills. More importantly, they must be a team player.”
“Training starts with a six week induction period, which gives us the opportunity to assess your character and skills, and teach you some of the key points of team membership, giving you the opportunity to decide whether this is for you.”
“Following the induction period, trainees join in with full team training – every Wednesday evening from 7-9.30pm and some weekends – to learn how the team works, how we approach different scenarios, and to familiarise all team members with the equipment, procedures and protocols.”
To find out more, attend the BARB Recruitment Day on Sunday January 31st between 11am-3pm when volunteer crew members will be on hand to talk about their involvement.
Extra volunteers are also being sought by BARB’s support team, who help to open the charity seafront station through the year.
