THE Severn Area Rescue Association (SARA) is recruiting new members, both for its operation team and support staff to help run the volunteer organisation.

Currently the SARA are looking for volunteers in the positions of lifeboat crew, land search specialists, fundraisers, administration staff, maintenance personnel and medical first aid personnel.

A SARA spokesperson said: “The team at Beachley are looking for new crew, and for new supporters to help with fundraising, and also for other roles in running the Lifeboat & Rescue Station to a professional standard.

“The SARA Team is getting busier each year, and 2017 has already seen a high number of callouts for the land search and the lifeboat crew.”

Those who join the crew will have the opportunity to train in a number of areas. A SARA spokesperson said:

“We are looking for new crew members to join the Land Search Team, with a training programme starting in May. Once qualified, crew that would like to can then also train for lifeboats, swift water or cliff rescue as well. Training generally happens on Thursday evenings and Sunday mornings.”

Just as important as the crew members are the support team which is also looking for new faces.

“The Supporters of SARA is a small but growing team of members who are not operational, but help to raise the essential money, which is needed to keep the station operational.

“Fundraisers will need to commit to supporting at least six events a year. Other Supporters have skills such as administration and vehicle mechanics which are essential to keeping the operation going. SARA is having an Open Evening at Beachley on Thursday 30th March, for people interested in becoming supporters of SARA.”

For those interested in applying there is no previous experience is needed to join SARA as all training is provided, all that is required is a few hours a week.

Their membership is not restricted either as their current volunteers are made up from people of all ages and from a huge variety of different professions and backgrounds.

To apply, applicants must download and send-in the application form from www.sara-rescue.org.uk/join-us.

Or contact [email protected] for more information.