Open days for RNLI volunteers

Open days for RNLI volunteers

25 February 2015

A MAJ0R recruitment drive is underway at Portaferry RNLI.

The lifeboat station is looking for new volunteer crew members to join its search and rescue service and help save lives at sea.

Open days will be held this Friday and Saturday when members of the public will be given a guided tour of the station and learn about the work of the RNLI.

The campaign coincides with celebrations to mark the 35th anniversary of the founding of Portaferry RNLI station.

The highlight is an anniversary ball to be held in La Mon Hotel and Country Club on Saturday, March 21.

In 2014, Portaferry RNLI launched on 24 occasions, in all weathers and at all times of the day and night, responding to calls for help from people in trouble at sea.

On those 24 occasions, 47 men, women and children were rescued thanks to the dedication of a small group of RNLI volunteers from the Portaferry area.

Portaferry RNLI was established in 1980 due to the increase in pleasure boating activity and commercial traffic in Strangford Lough and its Irish Sea approaches.

In 2009, a new Atlantic 85 lifeboat was placed on service and a new boathouse was constructed to accommodate the larger Atlantic 85 lifeboat.

Now the public are being asked to help play a part in the work the of the volunteer Lifeboat crew at Portaferry RNLI.

The station will be open to the public this Friday between 4pm and 8pm and on Saturday between 10am and 2pm.

Brian Bailie, Portaferry RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager, said: “We invite anyone interested in learning more about the work of the Portaferry Lifeboat Station and its volunteer crew members to come along.

“We need new crew members to help save lives at sea and to continue to provide a vital service to the people who use our waters for pleasure and commercial activities.”

He continued: “We are looking for anyone aged 17 years and over who is willing to offer some of their free time to join what I believe to be, one of the most exhilarating and rewarding voluntary services that is out there.

“Every volunteer receives first class training from the RNLI and learns new skills which can benefit them in many walks of life.

“Volunteers will have to be reasonably fit, be required to take a medical and eyesight test and should live or work within six minutes travel time from the lifeboat station.”

Anyone who feels they have the time and commitment to volunteer for the charity which is on call 24 hours a day and 365 days a year, is asked to either contact Brian at lom@portaferrylifeboat.com or call 07768 555851, or visit during one of the open days.

Tickets for the anniversary ball are £35 and anyone wishing to attend is asked to contact Wendy Conway on 07773 367332.