Interested in volunteering at Porthcawl RNLI?

We need volunteers to join our lifeboat crew, shore crew, shop and visits team.

Volunteering as Lifeboat Crew

Imagine for a moment that you’re part of the crew on a lifeboat. It’s 2.30am on a freezing January morning and the pager’s just woken you from a deep sleep in a snug warm bed. You then head out to sea in complete darkness and waves rise and fall around you, ready to swamp you at any moment. Strong gale force winds throw the lifeboat around like a toy. A fishing trawler is in difficulties 5 miles out to sea.


Still want to volunteer? Read on…

Our crew members need to:

  • be over 17 (with the permission of your parents) or over 18 years old
  • be under 55 years old (inshore lifeboat)
  • pass a medical and eyesight test
  • be physically fit
  • live and/or work close to the lifeboat station
  • pass a probationary period that usually lasts for one year
  • be a team player and be accepted by the rest of the crew
  • enjoy hard physical work
  • get on well with other people
  • communicate easily
  • obey orders when required to.

Being part of a lifeboat crew is a major commitment, which could include risking your life. Your commitment isn’t only measured in the time spent involved in rescues. Increasingly, new equipment and faster boats mean that regular training programmes also account for much of your spare time. You may also be asked to help show visitors around the station and with local fundraising.

What’s in it for you?

The RNLI provides first class training and equipment, guidance and support. Volunteering with us offers you the opportunity to make a difference in your local community, to save lives and be part of the larger RNLI family. We can offer you one of the most exciting and fulfilling volunteer roles available.

Want to volunteer but stay dry?

We have a number of shore based roles including shore crew, gift shop volunteer, station visits team and as fundraisers.

Still Interested?

If you’re interested in volunteering at Porthcawl and you have the spare time required to make a commitment, then get in touch with us. Contact the station directly by phone, through this website, via our Facebook page or by calling into the station on Sunday mornings between 10am-12pm for a chat with our Lifeboat Operations Manager.