As International Women’s Day is celebrated, four remarkable women from Stonehaven RNLI share their enriching experiences as volunteers. Their dedication to saving lives at sea showcases the diverse roles women can take within the lifeboat charity.
Women Making Waves at Stonehaven RNLI
Stonehaven RNLI has embraced female volunteers in various capacities, including shore and boat crew. Each woman comes from different professional backgrounds, such as environmental consultancy, administration, and healthcare, contributing unique skills to the team.
Trailblazing Competencies
- Suzanne: A pivotal member of the shore crew, she became the station’s first female tractor driver in Scotland.
- Caroline: Transitioned from administrative support to boat crew, tackling advanced training with enthusiasm.
- Chelsea: Recently joined the shore crew, eager to learn and transition to boat crew training.
- Abbie: Began her journey as shore crew and is now progressing onto boat crew training.
Suzanne’s Journey
Suzanne has spent several years with the shore crew. After completing her training, she sought more responsibility and passed the tractor driver competencies. This accomplishment made her a trailblazer within the RNLI framework. She expresses, “Volunteering with the RNLI made sense, combining my love for the sea and helping the community.”
Caroline’s Transformation
Caroline was inspired by the RNLI’s dedication and responded to an ad for a volunteer administrator. Her active involvement quickly led to her joining the operational crew. She is now on track to become a Tier 2 competent boat crew member, having attended the Women in SAR Training Week at RNLI’s facilities.
Inspiring Newcomers
Chelsea joined Stonehaven RNLI in spring 2025, driven by her passion for community service. She appreciates the supportive environment and sees training as an exciting challenge. Fellow recruit Abbie echoes this passion, stating that the RNLI provides all required training to succeed.
Opportunities for All
These women’s stories emphasize that the RNLI welcomes volunteers from all walks of life. The organization offers various roles, including administrative positions, fundraising, crew, and leadership opportunities. Volunteers can gain valuable skills while contributing meaningfully to their coastal communities.
In conclusion, the Stonehaven RNLI exemplifies how women can make waves in lifesaving roles. Their commitment showcases the importance of diversity and empowerment in volunteer work.
