Shore Crew - Walton and Frinton

About us

There has been a lifeboat station at Walton and Frinton for over 130 years, with generations of local volunteers helping to save lives at sea along our coastline.

Today, Walton & Frinton Lifeboat Station operates a D class inshore lifeboat from our boathouse on the seafront at Walton-on-the-Naze.

Our lifeboat crew are all volunteers, supported by an essential team of Shore Crew. Shore Crew play a vital part in every launch, helping to safely launch and recover the lifeboat, manage the launch area and ensure the lifeboat and equipment are ready for the next lifesaving service or training exercise.

Both lifeboat and shore crew undertake structured RNLI training to develop and maintain the skills required for their roles. When the pager sounds, our volunteers come together as one team to provide a lifesaving service for our local community and those using our coastline and waters.

The operational team is part of the wider Walton & Frinton RNLI family, alongside our fundraising, shop and water safety volunteers, all working together to support the RNLI's mission of saving lives at sea.

The impact you will make

As a member of the Walton & Frinton Shore Crew, you will be an essential part of our lifesaving team.

You will help us save lives at sea by supporting the safe launch and recovery of our D class lifeboat, both when responding to a lifesaving service and during training exercises.

Although you won't normally go to sea, the role you play ashore is vital. Every safe and successful launch depends on a trained and committed team working together.

What you will be doing

• Assist with the launch and recovery of our D class lifeboat on lifesaving service and during training exercises
• Work alongside the lifeboat crew and other Shore Crew to help ensure launches and recoveries are carried out safely and effectively
• Undertake regular training and maintain competence under the RNLI Competency Framework for the Shore Crew role
• Contribute to the overall upkeep and operational readiness of the lifeboat station, lifeboat and equipment
• Take part in regular station training and exercises, developing the practical skills needed to support our lifesaving service

Find out more about becoming a lifeboat station volunteer

What you need for this role

You don't need previous lifeboat or maritime experience – we will provide the training you need. We are looking for people who:

• Are good team players and enjoy working with others
• Communicate clearly and effectively
• Have a reasonable level of general fitness for the practical nature of the role
• Are willing and able to learn new skills and take part in regular training
• Live or work within 15 minutes of Walton & Frinton Lifeboat Station
• Are aged 18 or over
• Can make a regular commitment to the station, training and the wider team

What’s in it for you

Joining Walton & Frinton Lifeboat station is an opportunity to become part of a close-knit local team while supporting the RNLI's lifesaving work.

• Join an an inclusive and diverse organisation where everyone has a part to play
• Meet new people, have fun and become part of a motivated and enthusiastic team making a real difference in the local community
• Learn new skills and gain valuable practical experience
• Receive the training and support you need to become confident and competent in your role
• Gain the satisfaction of giving your time to help save lives at sea
• Develop skills and experience that can also enhance your CV
• Reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred while carrying out your volunteer role will be reimbursed in accordance with RNLI arrangements

Opportunities to develop

As you gain experience, there may also be opportunities to develop further within the station.

Depending on your interests, suitability, competence, training requirements and the needs of the station, this could include roles such as Tractor Driver, Head Launcher, Lifeboat Crew or, with appropriate experience and development, Launch Authority.

There is no expectation that everyone follows the same route. We want our volunteers to develop their skills and find the role within the team that best suits them.

Safeguarding and referencing

The RNLI is committed to safeguarding; protecting a person’s health, wellbeing, and human rights, enabling them to live free from harm, abuse, and neglect. We expect all employees and volunteers to share this commitment and have a zero-tolerance approach. The suitability of all prospective employees and volunteers will be assessed during the recruitment process in line with this commitment. This will include reference checks at offer stage and relevant criminal record checks being carried out dependent on the eligibility of the role. (England & Wales; DBS check, Scotland; Disclosure Scotland PVG, Northern Ireland; Access NI, Republic of Ireland; Garda Vetting; International, International Child Protection Certificate process).

Diversity at the RNLI

Our staff and volunteers have been saving lives at sea without prejudice for 200 years. We respect and value diversity of background, skills and perspectives within our teams, and consider it essential to help us deliver a world-class lifesaving service. We are an inclusive organisation and welcome applications from everyone. In addition to having the skills needed for the role, we also look for applicants who share our commitment to living our RNLI values (trustworthy, courageous, selfless, and dependable), and helping us work towards Our Vision: To save Every One.