THE HM Coastguard is now recruiting for volunteer rescuers to join the Bude Coastguard Rescue Team (CRT).

The Bude CRT provide regional search and cliff rescue capabilities on behalf of the UK Coastguard.

The Bude branch, situated at Upton, is part of a network of 400 Coastguard Rescue Teams who are strategically positioned around the UK’s coastline.

Men and women from the local community make up the current voluntary team and they come from all walks of life.

Amongst the Bude team are postmen, care workers, teachers and builders. Some of the volunteers are experienced coastal users, however, this is not necessary as full training is provided.

The role of a volunteer is to respond to a variety of call outs, on demand at any time, day or night — this can often occur during periods of inclement weather.

Usual call outs can include a range of tasks including searching for a missing person, cliff rescues, safeguarding unexploded ordnance or providing a safe landing zone for rescue helicopters.

Due to the nature of the voluntary work, coastguard’s often work alongside other emergency services.

Training sessions will be given on a regular basis and volunteers are expected to attend — teamwork is integral to the functionality and safety of the team and these training sessions looks to promote this.

As well as learning the core skills involved with being a volunteer for the Bude Coastguard Rescue Team, such as water rescue, land search and rescue, communications and emergency first aid, those who join will be trained in full cliff rescue techniques.

Applicants require the following to be eligible for a role as volunteer for the Bude Coastguard Rescue Team: a reasonable level of fitness; a full UK driving license; be aged 18 or over; live or work within a 20-minute radius of the Rescue Station; have good availability.

To find out more about what is involved and how to apply email [email protected] or visit the website www.gov.uk/government/organisations/maritime-and-coastguard-agency/about/recruitment