Coastguard Rescue Service now recruiting
HM Coastguard is recruiting for new volunteers to join the Coastguard Rescue Service in the north west of England and north Wales.
There are currently opportunities for volunteers to become Coastguard Rescue officers in a number of Coastguard Rescue teams, including those operating in Burgh by Sands, Maryport, Whitehaven, Millom, Furness, Arnside, Morecambe, Knott End, Lytham St Annes, Crosby, Rhyl and Llandudno.
The Coastguard Rescue teams respond to a wide range of emergency incidents, including people needing help in the water, mud rescues, helicopter operations, and missing person searches.
With a recent rise in people holidaying in the UK and visiting coastal hotspots, the Coastguard Rescue Service has had a busy summer responding to incidents across the coast.
Andy Peacock, senior coastal operations officer for HM Coastguard in the North West, says: “Our Coastguard Rescue Officer volunteers are at the heart of absolutely everything we do in delivering our dedicated search and rescue service along the UK’s coastline.
“Our volunteers play a vital role in serving and supporting local communities in which they work and live – helping to keep people safe in coastal areas and also by assisting our emergency service colleagues and partners such as the RNLI and independent lifeboats.
“We’re encouraging anyone who is interested in volunteering with us to get in touch and we are looking forward to welcoming new volunteers into the Coastguard Rescue Service in the near future.”
Officers can be called out in all-weather conditions, and may have to work in hazardous situations as well as carry out physically demanding tasks.
Recent recruit Mark, who joined in March 2021 and volunteers with Knott End Coastguard Rescue team, says: “It has been a rewarding experience volunteering with Knott End Coastguard Rescue Team so far.
“Right from coming into a friendly and welcoming team environment, meeting lots of new people, I have really enjoyed the variety the role has to offer. I volunteered with the team as I wanted to give back something in my spare time and to feel part of my local community.”
For more information on how to volunteer, visit the HM Coastguard website.
