Torbay RNLI seeks new volunteers as it approaches its 160th year

As Torbay RNLI is about to enter its 160th year of saving lives at sea in and around Tor Bay in 2026, crew retirements mean the station is now looking for new volunteers to help continue their vital work.

A recent RNLI training exercise brought together over 160 years of lifeboat crew experience aboard Torbay’s All-Weather Lifeboat (ALB). Four of the onboard crew alone had amassed over 120 years of lifeboat crew experience between them.

With two lifeboats – the ALB and an Inshore Lifeboat – tasked on average every two days, it takes over 40 volunteer lifeboat and shore crew to ensure the lifeboats are ready to respond to shouts. A local Water Safety team visits beaches, marinas, schools and other venues to give life-saving advice to water users.

Nick O’Brien, Lifeboat Operations Manager at Torbay RNLI commented,

"With our beaches and coasts attracting large numbers of beachgoers, paddleboarders and sailors, plus our vibrant fishing community based in Brixham, we’re one of the busiest UK lifeboat stations. Our lifeboat and shore crews therefore need to be ready to respond at any time of day or night, 365 days a year. And our Water Safety team do their important work all year round, too.

We're looking to welcome new volunteers to our team who are keen to learn new skills and serve the local community in a number of different roles – onboard our boats and ashore. We offer full training and, through our OneCrew ethos, a friendly, supportive environment to develop as valued members of our team. We'd love to have you onboard."

Find out more ILB Crew - Torbay