Interested in joining an RNLI lifeboat crew?

Imagine for a moment that you’re part of the crew on a lifeboat. It’s 2.30am on a freezing January morning and the pager’s just woken you from a deep sleep in a snug warm bed. You then head out to sea in complete darkness and 10m waves rise and fall around you, ready to swamp you at any moment. Strong gale force winds throw the lifeboat around like a toy. A fishing trawler is in difficulties 5 miles out to sea.


Still want to volunteer for the RNLI? Read on…

Our crew members
need to:

  • be over 18 years old
  • be under 55 years old (inshore lifeboat) or 65 (all-weather lifeboat)
  • pass a medical and eyesight test
  • be physically fit
  • live and/or work close to the lifeboat station
  • pass a probationary period that usually lasts for one year
  • be a team player and be accepted by the rest of the crew
  • enjoy hard physical work
  • get on well with other people
  • communicate easily
  • obey orders when required to.

Being part of a lifeboat crew is a major commitment, which could include risking your life. Your commitment isn’t only measured in the time spent involved in rescues. Increasingly, new equipment and faster boats mean that regular training programmes also account for much of your spare time. You may also be asked to help show visitors around the station and with local fundraising.

What’s in it for you?

The RNLI provides first class training and equipment, guidance and support. Volunteering with us offers you the opportunity to make a difference in your local community, to save lives and be part of the larger RNLI family. We can offer you one of the most exciting and fulfilling volunteer roles available.

Want to volunteer but stay dry?

We have a number of volunteer shore based roles. These include shore crew, tractor drivers, shop staff, station visits and fundraising crew.

Still Interested?

At present we are not actively recruiting for sea going crew members at Porthcawl. However if you’re interested in our volunteer shore based roles such as shore crew, station admin, shop staff, visits team or fundraising crew then get in touch with us. Contact the station directly by phone, through this website or via our social media pages or by going down to the station.

If you live close to another RNLI lifeboat station contact them to find out about their current volunteer roles.

Go to contact form