Hunstanton RNLI has delivered a simple message to the community following reports of abuse directed at RNLI volunteers elsewhere in the country.
“When the call comes, it doesn’t matter who you are or where you come from,” the station said. “If you’re in trouble and need us, we’ll be there.”
It is perhaps a straightforward way of explaining something which has been at the heart of the RNLI for generations.
For the volunteers at Hunstanton, saving lives at sea is simply what they are there to do.
The local station spoke out after the RNLI issued security advice to volunteers and staff following incidents involving anti-migrant protesters in other parts of the country.
Some RNLI personnel have been advised to take additional precautions, including avoiding wearing clothing carrying the charity's branding in certain circumstances.
No incidents involving Hunstanton's crew have been reported.
Instead, the local volunteers have used the moment to remind people exactly who they are and what they do here in West Norfolk.
“We are YOUR local lifeboat station,” Hunstanton RNLI said.
“We are Hunstanton RNLI, local volunteers who give our time to help keep our community, and everyone who comes to enjoy our beautiful coastline, safe.
“Last year, Hunstanton Lifeboat was tasked to 48 incidents and aided over 30 people who needed our help.”
Those figures provide a useful reminder of just how often the station's volunteers are called upon.
Behind every launch are people leaving their homes, families or jobs to respond, often without knowing exactly what they will face when they arrive.
“Our volunteer crew is ready 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, serving and protecting the community we are proud to call home,” the station said.
“We are your neighbours, your friends and members of your community. We are Hunstanton RNLI. We save lives at sea.”
RNLI responds nationally
The message from Hunstanton follows a statement from RNLI chief executive Peter Sparkes, who stressed that the lifesaving charity is politically independent.
“We are completely independent of government, powered by remarkable, kind people and fuelled by the incredible generosity of the public,” he said.
The RNLI says misinformation surrounding its work, particularly lifesaving operations in the Channel, has contributed to volunteers and staff being subjected to abuse.
“Sadly, as a result, some of our volunteers and staff have been the subject of online and, in the worst cases, physical abuse,” Mr Sparkes said.
“The RNLI’s people represent the very best in our society. They selflessly give up their time to keep others safe.
“Yet they and their families are being threatened by those who would hide behind a balaclava or a keyboard. Their action, in contrast, is wholly unacceptable in a civilised society. We will take whatever steps we can, to care for and protect our people and their families.”
There have been protests at RNLI locations elsewhere in the country, while individual volunteers have also been named online.
None of the crew members reportedly identified are from West Norfolk.
Mr Sparkes also addressed claims circulating online about the charity's work.
“I have seen ludicrous rumours that we house asylum seekers on RNLI premises, or that there are RNLI missions to move migrants to secret locations. These rumours are completely baseless and untrue,” he said.
“Illegal migration is a polarising subject that generates strong views, locally and nationally. But please be mindful of misinformation, the impact it has upon others, and be reassured that the RNLI and our crews strive only to prevent people like you and me from drowning at sea.”
A familiar part of our community
Here in West Norfolk, Hunstanton Lifeboat Station has long been a familiar part of life on the coast.
Its volunteers respond to emergencies involving local residents and the thousands of visitors who come to enjoy this part of Norfolk every year.
Nationally, RNLI crews saved 389 lives last year.
Mr Sparkes said: “Stand by them, not against them and their families. I am extremely proud of and grateful for their vital lifesaving work that meant 389 lives were saved last year; lives saved to be lives lived.
“To those who stand for and by the RNLI, thank you. This charity will continue to save lives at sea all around the UK and Ireland, as we always have and always will.”
And in Hunstanton, the local crew's message is perhaps even simpler.
They are volunteers. They are members of our community. And if somebody gets into trouble at sea, they will answer the call.
Image supplied by Chris Bishop
