Southend-on-Sea RNLI needs you: Become a volunteer launch tractor driver

The charity is seeking individuals who live local to Southend lifeboat station and can give a little time to help save lives at sea.

As a launch tractor driver, volunteers will play a crucial role in:

· Manoeuvring the lifeboat and its carriage safely and precisely into and out of the water.

· Manoeuvring the hovercraft on the launch slip.

· Ensuring the lifeboat and hovercraft are ready for immediate launch when a distress call is received.

· Working as part of a close-knit and dedicated team of volunteers.

· Contributing directly to the lifesaving work of the charity.

Southend RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager Graham Slack said: ‘Our launch tractor drivers are a vital link in our operational chain. Without them being available when other commitments might limit volunteer availability, we can face delays in getting our lifeboats to those in need. This is a fantastic opportunity to make a real difference in your local community and help save lives at sea’.

No prior experience in operating tractors is necessary as full training will be provided. Applicants should be aged 18 or over, hold a full UK driving license, be physically fit and able to work outdoors in all weather conditions, be reliable, committed, and able to work effectively as part of a team. Living within a reasonable distance of Southend RNLI lifeboat station to ensure prompt response when needed and have availability during daytime weekdays.

Volunteering for Southend-on-Sea RNLI offers a unique opportunity to learn new skills, be part of a dedicated team, and contribute directly to saving lives in your local community.

For applications and further information contact: [email protected]

Join us and become a vital part of our lifesaving team!

For further information please contact:

• Nigel Gilchrist. Lifeboat Press Officer at Southend-on-Sea RNLI [email protected] or 07765875300
• Hatti Mellor | RNLI Regional Communications Manager – South East, [email protected]
• For enquiries outside normal business hours, contact the RNLI duty press officer on 01202 336789

Notes to Editors:

• Southend RNLI is one of the busiest coastal stations across the UK and Republic of Ireland.
• Southend RNLI cover approximately fifteen miles of shore from Shoeburyness to Canvey and beyond.
• For more information, please visit http://www.southendlifeboat.org/

RNLI online

For more information, please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the RNLI News Centre.

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates over 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and, in a normal year, more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service.

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,700 lives.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, X, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.