DO YOU have what it takes to be a lifesaver?

Volunteers who run the RNLI lifeboat station in Lyme Regis are appealing for new recruits to bring the crew up to full strength.

RNLI volunteer Richard Horobin said crew members come from all walks of life and enjoy a ‘great camaraderie’ with year round events, including end-of-season and Christmas parties.

He added: “We have carpenters, painters and decorators, plumbers, electricians, people who are retired like myself. A lot of people tend to be self-employed because when you get that call you have to down tools and go.”

Two Deputy Launching Authorities (DLA) and three shore crew members are being sought.

The DLAs are members of the management team and are the first point of call for coastguards when they make a request for the lifeboat to be launched.

They then take charge of the operation in the boathouse during any emergency.

Lifeboat operations Manager Nick Marks said: “The DLAs tend to be senior members of the team operating on a duty rota, and shore crew should be aged between 18 and 40 with good fitness levels and living and working in Lyme Regis or close by. Training can take up to two years for those who want to be sea-going crew members.

“Everyone is a volunteer and training and other events can account for around 12 hours a month.

“Full training is given to all new recruits, and there is a genuine team spirit and plenty of social activities in addition to the serious business of saving lives at sea.”

In an emergency, the duty DLA takes the call from the coastguard requesting the lifeboat be launched. The crew are paged and they and the DLA go to the lifeboat station as quickly – and safely – as possible.

Mr Horobin said: “Most people I have spoken to say they do it because they want to give something back, they want to help others. There is a great camaraderie, plenty of social activities and a truly friendly atmosphere.”

Call 01297 442230 and leave a message or go along to the next training session at the lifeboat station at the harbour from 9am on October 15.