Town needs more RNLI volunteers

A "Brew with the Crew" event is being held at the lifeboat station at Mablethorpe to encourage more people to volunteer

Would-be lifeboat crew members will be able to find out more about volunteering at the Lincolnshire coast later.

The RNLI in Mablethorpe will hold a "Brew with the Crew" event to encourage more people to join the charity for roles including boat crew, fundraisers and tractor drivers.

The station is home to two inshore lifeboats, on call 24-hours a day, 365 days of the year, and is funded entirely by donations.

The event is being held at the lifeboat station between 18:30 and 20:00 BST.

Crew member Davina Silk said she was inspired to volunteer by her father, who served for more than 20 years.

"That’s what made me want to join, hearing about all the rescues," she said.

"It's like being part of a special family with people from all backgrounds and walks of life."

Ms Silk said the event was an opportunity for people to find out more about the various roles on offer and talk to people already volunteering with the RNLI.

"We now have a tiered training system. Everyone starts with the basics, so it's really nice if we get a few in so people learn and grow together," she added.

Current members of the Mablethorpe crew have described it as a "special family"

The station currently has around 20 operational staff, as well as fundraisers and shop workers.

Ms Silk said that as well as recruiting sea-going crew and launch drivers, the station wanted volunteers to help fundraise and educate people about saving lives at sea.

The Mablethorpe station opened in 1883 and replaced one at Theddlethorpe - a few miles to the north.

Since then, crews at the station have been presented with nine awards for gallantry.

Earlier this year, the RNLI celebrated 200 years of saving lives at sea.

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