Helping save lives volunteering for RNLI Stonehaven Lifeboat Station

Living in Stonehaven, I had always wanted to do something in the community, but wasn’t sure what to get involved in. When I saw an advert for a volunteer Administrator at Stonehaven RNLI lifeboat station, and having watched the lifeboat launch from the harbour, I decided that would be the perfect opportunity for me.

With my administration background at Robert Gordon University, I knew that I could help support my local RNLI station and the valuable lifesaving work that they do.

My first volunteer role at RNLI

Part of my Administrator role for the station involved going along to meetings and taking minutes. It was so interesting listening to the crew talk about rescues and their training, and the more I got involved in my role the more I found myself asking lots of questions about the boat and the work that the crew do. That’s when the crew suggested that I join Stonehaven RNLI Shore Crew, who are an essential part of the team that help ensure the lifeboat launches safely.

Having no maritime or seagoing experience, I didn’t think I had the relevant skills to be able to join the crew. I quickly learned that this wasn’t the case and actually what you need is a keen desire to learn and develop new skills. RNLI does the rest with the first-class training that they provide as well as having a supportive crew who enjoy sharing their skills and knowledge. And so I embarked on what was to become one of the most exciting and fulfilling volunteer roles I could do.

Taking on new challenges

After successfully completing my shore crew training, I was given the opportunity to progress to boat crew and I have never looked back. Training twice a week and undertaking courses at the RNLI College in Poole, I have learned so many new skills from navigation to casualty care and sea survival techniques.

Sometimes we can be exposed to harsh conditions and potentially traumatic incidents, but for me there is nothing more rewarding than working together as a crew and with other emergency services to help bring a loved one back to their family. Every time I step onto the boat, I feel privileged to be able to do what I do and whatever challenges we are faced with, we pull together as a crew. I always describe the crew as one big family! 

A life-changing opportunity

I have been fortunate with the support from Robert Gordon University with my volunteering, especially when my pager goes off in the middle of day and I have to rush away from my desk or need  time off to allow me to attend training courses in Poole. Without employer support it would be impossible for us as a volunteer crew to undertake the lifesaving work that we do.  

Volunteering has helped me in so many ways and completely changed my life. It has taught me to believe in myself and given me the confidence and belief that with hard work and determination you can achieve anything. I hope as my son grows up, I have inspired him to volunteer and to help make a positive difference in the community.