Newhaven RNLI: Have You Got What It Takes To Volunteer?

The Royal National Lifeboat Institute in Newhaven says their crews are just 'regular folk,' usually with little or no experience.

They're currently recruiting in order to 'boost their numbers' after adding a smaller D-class inshore lifeboat to its fleet, to serve alongside the Severn class all-weather lifeboat.

Danny Woodford, taxi driver and one of three Newhaven volunteers said:

"Joining the crew has made me more confident in my ability. In the beginning I was a bit lost and clueless, but four years later, I’ve completed my crew plan and am now training to be a mechanic on the boat, something I never thought would be possible before." 

"My mum used to take us down to see the lifeboat launch when the maroons went off," - Danny Woodford. Photo courtesy of Newhaven RNLI

Alvaro Rodrigues, carpenter and volunteer crew, says:

"From knots to just about everything that it takes for me to play my part on the lifeboat, the RNLI has taught me."

Volunteer crew will launch to help vessels as varied as tall ships, fishing trawlers, paddle boards and dingies. All the casualties there-in and the countless others who never intended to enter the water.

Alex Beckett, Ambulance Operations Manager and Newhaven RNLI Crew/Navigator, says:

"I grew up about 60 miles from the nearest stretch of coastline, but moved to Sussex to study music at university. Back then the beach was for sitting and enjoying a beer on, perhaps an occasional summertime swim. I can’t claim to have a life-long affinity for all things maritime!"

There is no prerequisite for maritime or coastal experience to apply for the role of RNLI crew. Volunteers are provided world class training, regardless of their experience, attaining competency both on station and at RNLI College in Poole.

Alex continues:

"Volunteering as crew has pushed me physically and mentally. There have been some intense situations that I never thought I’d find myself in. Initially I probably questioned whether I had the courage to be out working on deck at night in a raging storm, and yet now I’ve done just that."

Danny says:

"Having supportive people around me, who understand that I may disappear every now and then, helps me to make myself available for the lifeboat – for training and being on call for shouts."

Lauren, Danny’s girlfriend, who tells us that the pager still makes her jump when it goes off, explains that she is very proud of what Danny does for the community and she doesn’t worry when he’s out on the boat, because “the crew are all lovely, supportive and look out for each other”.

This support is not singular. Alvaro’s partner, Carmen, talks about how she must be prepared to make changes in her day to day schedule:

“You never know when the pager will go off, but I see how important it is for him to be with a purpose for something that is much bigger than him”.

"When I saw the boat, in my favourite colours, it was a no-brainer that I wanted to join," - Alvaro Rodrigues. Photo by Carmen, courtesy of Newhaven RNLI

It’s not unusual for the lifeboat to be called to an area where the water is more shallow, such as responding to people who have been caught out and cut off by the tide. It is calls like these that are extremely time critical and will be served effectively by the new in-shore lifeboat.

When the pagers go off, attending crew are expected to get to the station within eight minutes. Danny lives roughly six minutes away, although his best arrival to date was 30 seconds. He pulled up his taxi to pick someone up from the building opposite, when his pager went off. 

Alvaro says:

"My workshop is over the bridge on the other side of the river, about a four minute drive, but if it’s a Friday afternoon and the traffic is bad, it’s quicker for me to run to the station, that’s about seven minutes.

"There are moments where you have to just admit that you cannot always be on the boat. Your family and your job comes first. It’s tough when you have to take yourself out of the calendar. As much as I can be, I’m part of it."

Alex, whose partner Katie is also on the crew, said:

"No one expects you to give more than you can.’ ‘I’ve found I’ve an intrinsic drive to be as available as I can be, because I love being on the boat, but it’s also important to remember to commit time to family and friends.

"Each one of us has a fairly busy workload, but I’m always impressed by the amount of time given towards keeping the boat going, and the shared belief in the importance of why we’re all there. You don’t find that kind of commitment everywhere."

Alvaro added:

"I have total respect for people working in all weathers out at sea. I appreciate my RNLI training, I am still learning! Understanding my limits, recognising my fears and discovering that sometimes I can be funny."

Danny sums it up: "Being part of something that can change people's lives gives me an incredible feeling. Becoming volunteer crew is one of the best things I have ever done. The lifeboat is like an extra family and everyone supports each other, which makes us better."

Interviews provided by RNLI Newhaven.