Lifesaving volunteers needed to man Walton lifeboat (From Clacton and Frinton Gazette)

Lifesaving volunteers needed to man Walton lifeboat

11:00am Monday 4th February 2013 in News

LIFESAVERS in Walton need more volunteers to join up to boost their ranks.

Walton’s lifeboat members have launched a recruitment drive after several positions opened up on the crew’s roster.

More people are needed to make sure the town’s new £2.7million lifeboat, the Irene Muriel Rees, is fully manned if emergency strikes.

Lifeboat operations manager Philip Oxley said: “Whilst we maintain an established list of available crew, several positions have become available on the roster list due to changes in some people’s circumstances and work commitments.

“We need to ensure we continue to develop new members to fill these positions so that we are always able to provide a full crew, even when some are out of town for work or holidays.

“We are happy to welcome anyone with an interest and explain more about what we do.

“We want to hear from anyone who would like to become part of a dedicated team and wants to give something back to the community and help save lives at sea.

“The only requirements are that you need to be committed, able, aged over 17 and ideally live or work around Walton.”

Apart from one full-time mechanic, the lifeboat crew covering Walton and Frinton is made up entirely of volunteers who also work full-time.

Anyone interested in filling one of the vital roles should call Philip Oxley on 01255 675549 or email their details to Walton&Frinton@rnli.org.uk.