Beach-goers in Sussex this summer will be receiving vital safety advice – and finding out how to support the RNLI – thanks to two new members of the charity’s fundraising team.
Elly Wardle and Josie Veale have recently joined the RNLI as Face-to-Face (F2F) fundraisers and will play a key role in helping people keep themselves safe on the coast, as well as raising funds to allow the charity to continue saving lives at sea.
Throughout 2021, the charity’s F2F team shared key water safety messages with more than a quarter of a million adults and young people. Over the past five years they have spoken to over 850,000 children and adults with relevant water safety messages, contributing to our crucial drowning prevention work.
The RNLI is also looking for people who would like to join Elly and Josie and our other F2F members across the South Coast – and help make a real difference and contribute to the charity’s vision of saving every one who gets into difficulty in the water.
Elly Wardle and Josie Veale will be with the Sussex team throughout the summer to raise awareness of the charity’s lifesaving. Elly has just graduated with a diploma in politics, and next year she’ll continue her studies in International Law. Josie was working on superyachts as a crew, and once she came back home, she decided to join the RNLI.
In their first season with the charity, they’ll be sharing safety messages and encourage new supporters to sign up and donate to help fund the charity’s 24/7 search and rescue lifeboat service and seasonal lifeguard service.
Talking about her job, Josie said: ‘We’re letting people know where the lifeguards are and do on the beach, showing them the red and yellow flags and other signage that helps them know if it’s safe to go into the water. We’re also educating people about the ‘Float to Live’ method and ensuring they know what to do if they enter the cold water unexpectedly.
It’s a great job because you’re outside all day. If you love chatting with people, it’s brilliant because that’s what you have to do on the job.’
When asked why she chose to be part of the RNLI, Elly answered: ‘I’ve always held an active lifestyle. I also used to do triathlons in the sea. So for me, the RNLI lifeguards and lifeboat crew give me reassurance. They’re like an extra safety net that makes me more comfortable having a bit more freedom to enjoy my time on the beach because I know that if I’m caught in a tricky situation, they will try their best to save my life.’
Marrisa Laing, Senior F2F Fundraising Manager, said: ‘RNLI face-to-face fundraising is a job with a difference. We inspire support for our lifesavers’ amazing work and play a vital role in educating the public on how to respect the water.
Anyone can join our fundraising teams on the beach, at festivals, and indoor events. We make sure our fundraisers receive excellent ongoing training to feel confident in what they’re talking about and comfortable approaching people. There are a variety of roles available, from year-round part-time opportunities to full-time and seasonal work in the summer.
You’ll need to be self-motivated and friendly, outgoing personalities are a must. Day to day, you’ll be working in pairs to talk with the public, inspiring them to become financial supporters and educating them about coastal safety. You’ll be working with a variety of people in different locations, so every day is varied.’
The RNLI is currently looking for people who are passionate about the charity or want to help raise money for a good cause while being part of a friendly team. With 11 regional teams across the UK and Ireland and flexible hours available – including full and part-time positions – people can find a role that fits their needs.
To apply or find out more information, visit the summer jobs website:
https://summerjobs.rnli.org/become-a-face-to-face-fundraiser/find-a-job
To find out more information about how to float and what to do if you find yourself caught in cold water visit
https://rnli.org/safety/float
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RNLI media contacts
For more information, please contact Julie Rainey, RNLI South East Regional Media Officer, on 07827 358256 or email
[email protected] or Paul Dunt, RNLI South East Regional Media Officer, on 0778 5296252 or email
[email protected]. Alternatively, please call the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336 789 or email [email protected]
RNLI online
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RNLI website or
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YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the
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Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates over 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and, in a normal year, more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 142,700 lives.
Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 142,700 lives.
Learn more about the RNLI
For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.
Contacting the RNLI – public enquiries
Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.
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