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September 7, 2004
Burnham-On-Sea RNLI appeals for more daytime volunteers
Burnham-On-Sea Lifeboat Station needs more day time lifeboat crew and day time shore helpers.
Suitable applicants would have the opportunity of working within a dedicated, friendly team of volunteers, with the knowledge that they would be helping to save lives within the swift tidal waters of Bridgwater Bay and the surrounding coastline.
Lifeboat Operations manager Martin Cox said: “You must be available during the daytime on weekdays; living or working 10 minutes from the Lifeboat Station. Potential crew must be under 45 years old with or without sea experience. Shore helpers need to be below the age of 65.”
He added: “Experience is not essential. We will train you. All we need is people willing to become involved with our group of volunteers.”
Anybody who wishes to help is welcome to come to the station in Pier Street any Monday evening between 7.30pm and 9.30pm. Just call into the RNLI Lifeboat Station and introduce yourself.
Alternatively, interested parties may ring the Lifeboat Operations Manager. Martin Cox, on 01278 781249, or Mike Lang on 01278 792784.
Mike Lang, the RNLI local press officer, added: “If you do not wish to commit yourself straight away, why not become a lifeboat supporter which is free, and maintain an association with the station, whilst you decide.”
Burnham-On-Sea RNLI has trained crew and shore helpers, but not all of them are available quickly for daytime callouts. There are times when the speed of a launch could make the difference between a successful rescue or disaster. More daytime helpers would help to ease the pressure on existing volunteers, and provide the “icing on the cake” for a well trained professional organisation.
Some of the crew member duties include preparing the lifeboats for sea, launching the lifeboats, search and rescue, emergency first aid, replacing fuel and stores, washing down lifeboats and equipment after use and returning the boats to the safety of the boathouse, not forgetting training.
Some of the shore helpers’ duties include assisting the lifeboat crew with the above duties, plus ensuring that the lifeboat reaches the slipway without mishaps and requesting that vehicles stop along roads when required.
Some shore helpers also drive the tractors (this is a job that needs particular training) and when the boats have been launched, shore helpers also lay out the hoses and buckets of detergent for use on their return.
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