At South Queensferry, one of the RNLI’s busiest lifeboat stations, five out of the 25 operational volunteers are women. This is something to celebrate then on International Women’s Day on 8 March with women around the world.
This is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for speeding up gender parity.
All four members of the crew who were on the Jimmie Cairncross on Friday as it pushed off from the Hawes Pier on a shout, said they love being volunteers, learning news skills. None of them are scared of the lifeboat travelling at its top speed of 35 knots, and none of them considered being a woman in any way a hindrance to their participation. In a twist all have found life partners while volunteering with the RNLI in the Ferry or elsewhere.
The lifeboat was headed out on yet another mercy mission to Cramond Island just off the beach at Cramond to pick up some people who were described as “ill-equipped and stranded” and to ensure they were returned to safety.
Together the women have more than 500 hours of afloat experience, and all say it has been a great experience and each described learning new skills.
Navigator and trainee helm, Sarah Sim, took part in her 100th shout last year, and is also married to Jake who is a volunteer helm.
She said: “I have always been around the water. I grew up next to the sea and I ‘ve been on and off boats since I was little. I sailed a lot when I was at university, and when I graduated ai really looked for something a bit more purposeful to do with my spare time. My boyfriend at the time – now my husband – was a volunteer and I could see how rewarding that was. I joined at Tighnabruiach on the west coast and then when we moved to South Queensferry I joined here in 2021. There is nothing standing in the way of any woman who wants to volunteer. It is very welcoming ad we have a supportive crew here.”
Tina is a trainee navigator who grew up in Shetland. She said: “Shetland is surrounded by water, and has a massive fishing community. So I always wanted to join since I was a little kid.” She explained she is responsible for getting the boat from place to place, and “within reason” she believes she could fix anything. She remembers a shout when the rescue involved 29 people who had been cut off by the tide on Cramond Island.
She said: “I love being out on the water in all weathers and the adrenaline rush that comes with it! Being part of the crew is great; we all look after one another. Even being out on the boat at 3am in a storm, you know you’ll come home safe because of that trust we have in each other.”
Leah has learned to drive the Atlantic 85 lifeboat which has a maximum speed of 35 knots – which is she says “pretty fast”.
Petra Surplus began volunteering at Larne RNLI lifeboat station where her dad had also been a volunteer. She joined Queensferry in 2023 and is now also a trainee helm. She explained how important the team is. She said: “Being part of the team is how we learn from each other. We see other people doing things and then we know that we can do that in the future.”
All four women are adamant that as well as being a serious emergency service it is a lot of fun being part of the lifeboat crew. They admitted that they do socialise together as well as crewing the lifeboat to save lives. (“drinking coffee…!”)
Women in all areas of the lifeboat service
As well as the crew there are many women involved in fundraising, water safety staff teams including engineering and around 15% of the operational crew are women. This includes those on and off the water launch authorities and lifeboat operation managers.
Jill Hepburn, RNLI Head of Region in Scotland, said: ‘International Women’s Day is a powerful reminder that when we give our time, skills and support to one another, we all gain strength, confidence and opportunity.
“At the RNLI, we know that creating a more diverse and inclusive organisation makes us stronger and more effective in our mission to save lives at sea.
“We’re incredibly proud of all our frontline staff and volunteers like the women at Queensferry who continue to give so much in their selfless service of others.”
