Shore based recruits are needed at Lyme’s RNLI HQ

Volunteers who run the RNLI lifeboat station in Lyme Regis are appealing for new recruits to bring the crew up to full strength.

Two Deputy Launching Authorities – DLAs – and three shore crew members are being sought.

The DLAs are members of the management team and are the first point of call for coastguards when they make a request for the lifeboat to be launched.

They then take charge of the operation in the boathouse during any emergency.

Lifeboat Operations Manager Nick Marks said: ”The DLAs tend to be senior members of the team operating on a duty rota, and shore crew should be aged between 18 and 40 with good fitness levels and living and working in Lyme Regis or close by.

“Training can take up to two years for those who want to be sea-going crew members.

“Everyone is a volunteer and training and other events can account for around 12 hours a month.

“Full training is given to all new recruits, and there is a genuine team spirit and plenty of social activities in addition to the serious business of saving lives at sea.”

Anyone interested in joining the crew should call 01297 442230 and leave a message or come along to the next training session at the lifeboat station at the harbour from 9am on Sunday (October 15).”