Ahead of International Women’s Day, around 80 women from across the RNLI, each fulfilling a variety of frontline lifeboat station roles, came together for the RNLI’s Women in Search and Rescue Training Week at the RNLI College in Poole, Dorset.
The five-day event, which started on 2 March, brought together women from RNLI lifeboat teams across the UK and Ireland to inspire, connect and share their experiences while learning new skills.
Penarth RNLI were thrilled that a couple of their volunteers attended the event, representing the station and learning more about the women in SAR community.
Kath Fisher and Nicola Anderson were attending the casualty care course which expands on their considerable knowledge and experience they already have. Nicky’s day job is
Nicky, who is a Paramedic, commented, ‘We had a fabulous time meeting other women in various roles around the UK and able to share feedback, it was great to learn the RNLI way of doing casualty care at sea.’
Kath who has recently stepped down from police helicopter duties pointed out ‘It's important that we have structured ways for women to share their feedback and connect with each other, and events such as the Women in SAR Training Week support this.’
Attendees were put through their paces in the Crew Emergency Procedures course in the RNLI’s sea survival training pool and headed out on Shannon class lifeboat for command training.
Speakers included the RNLI Chief Executive Peter Sparkes and Chair Janet Legrand as well as Head of Region in the North and East, Rebecca Felton, and first female full-time Coxswain at the RNLI, Di Bush.
Attendees also took part in a mix of networking, confidence and leadership workshops, fitting in with the Give to Gain theme of this year’s International Women’s Day.
Jill Hepburn, RNLI Head of Region in Scotland, said: ‘International Women’s Day is a powerful reminder that when we give our time, skills and support to one another, we all gain strength, confidence and opportunity.
‘Our Women in SAR Training Week is a brilliant example of this in action — bringing women together to share knowledge, build capability and grow as a supportive, skilled community while developing vital lifesaving expertise.
‘At the RNLI, we know that creating a more diverse and inclusive organisation makes us stronger and more effective in our mission to save lives at sea.
‘We’re incredibly proud of all our frontline staff and volunteers who continue to give so much in service of others.’
Regional International Women’s Day events at the RNLI also took place in Swords, Ireland and Shoreham by Sea, West Sussex.
To find out more about volunteering at the RNLI, including current vacancies, please visit: rnli.org/support-us/volunteer
Vueling withdraws winter flights to Aicante this winter
Playground in Barry forced to close after fire damages equipment
Campaigners Take Fight for Fairer Pathways in Welsh Women’s Football to Parliament
Vale Councillor Gwyn John Launches His First Novel at Llantwit Major Book Signing
Pink poppy display commences with celebration of life
Former Barry office block converted into new homes for people at risk of homelessness
Welsh Government publishes independent report on Level 4 intervention at Cardiff and Vale UHB
Three CoastSnap stations set to be installed along the Glamorgan Heritage Coast
Daffodil Runner statue installed at Marie Curie Hospice in Penarth
Woman Dies After Incident in Leckwith as Police Investigation Continues
Vale entrepreneur wins national Innovate UK award for sustainable construction technology
Cardiff Airport retains top accessibility rating as regulator reports record demand for assistance
Open Doors event to showcase hidden world of Glamorgan Archives
New details have emerged of a new tree-lined public square that will replace a traffic dominated junction
Dyffryn Gardens’ Edwardian rose garden blooms again after decade-long restoration
Barry’s Own Daniel White to Walk 190 Miles Back to Where His Round Table Story Began
1,300 people attend Flying Start Family Fun Day
Dispersal order put in place to tackle anti-social behaviour
Interim Chief Executive Appointed at Cardiff and Vale University Health Board
Cardiff Theatre Marks 50 Years of Service for Long‑Standing Staff Member
