RNLI needs you to help raise funds in Wirral

The charity needs people to share vital safety messages and encourage new supporters to sign up and donate after the charity experienced a shortfall in funds, nationally, last year.

With 238 lifeboat stations, 431 lifeboats and 5,500 volunteer crew members, plus 1,500 lifeguards patrolling over 240 UK beaches, the RNLI’s remit is vast.

The charity says it is currently facing a 'perfect storm' of being busier than ever while its income is down.

It needs to keep raising money to cover the ongoing work needed to maintain and upgrade lifeboats, stations, kit and training.

As part of its renewed focus on fundraising, the RNLI is seeking to increase its number of face-to-face fundraisers this year and recruit up to 200 people, in a seasonal role that is vital in helping save lives at sea.

A crucial part of the role will include educating visitors about key safety messages and a drive to help sign up new supporters to make regular donations to the RNLI.

Evan Chrisp knows first-hand about the importance of the RNLI’s safety advice after some safety messaging from that charity helped save his life.

Evan says: "A couple of years ago when I was caught in a rip current, I remembered the RNLI Float to Live advice.

"I stayed calm and floated with the help of a surfer until a lifeboat crew rescued me."

Since being rescued Evan has become an RNLI ambassador and has this year also joined the face-to-face fundraising team.

He continued: "Knowing that a simple but effective safety message saved my life, I'm now inspired to share this with others in the hope it may just save someone's family member or loved one.

"To know I can help save lives and to encourage people to sign up to support the charity gives me a great deal of satisfaction and working with a team of like-minded people at various outdoor locations is a great way of making new friends whilst having fun at the same time."

More details on the available roles is available at www.RNLI.org/FundraiserJobs