Working as a Lifeboat Volunteer
ANNOUNCER: Part 2. You will hear a man called David talking on the radio about his work as a lifeboat volunteer. First, you have some time to look at questions 11 to 16. Now listen carefully and answer questions 11 to 16.
SPEAKER: I never really planned to be a lifeboat volunteer when I came to live in Northsea.
SPEAKER: I had been working in London as a website designer, but although the work was interesting, I didn’t enjoy city life.
SPEAKER: When I was a teenager, I had always been interested in boats, so I thought moving to the coast would give me a chance to follow that interest.
SPEAKER: Then I discovered that the Lifeboat Institution was looking for volunteers, so I decided to apply.
SPEAKER: The lifeboat building here in Northsea is one of the largest in the country, so it’s very easy to recognize.
SPEAKER: It was built 15 years ago using funds donated by a local resident who had lived here all her life.
SPEAKER: The Lifeboat Institution is a charity, so it depends on public donations rather than government funding.
SPEAKER: When I applied, I had to take a health assessment.
SPEAKER: The doctors paid particular attention to my vision.
SPEAKER: I had previously been short-sighted and had worn glasses.
SPEAKER: However, I had laser eye surgery two years earlier, so that was no longer a problem.
SPEAKER: I also had tests for colour blindness.
SPEAKER: At first, they thought I might have a problem, but fortunately the results were normal.
SPEAKER: When the coastguard receives an alert, all the volunteers are contacted immediately.
SPEAKER: Our goal is to reach the lifeboat station within five minutes.
SPEAKER: Then we aim to launch the lifeboat and get out to sea within another six to eight minutes.
SPEAKER: Our team is proud because we usually meet this target.
SPEAKER: The national average response time is about eight and a half minutes.
SPEAKER: Recently I qualified as a helmsman.
SPEAKER: That means I have the ultimate responsibility for the lifeboat during missions.
SPEAKER: I must check that all the equipment is working properly.
SPEAKER: Our crew wear special life jackets that can support up to four people in the water.
SPEAKER: It is also my decision whether it is safe to launch the lifeboat.
SPEAKER: However, it is very rare that we decide not to launch, even in bad weather.
SPEAKER: Besides rescue operations, I also do community work.
SPEAKER: For example, I speak to youth groups and sailing clubs about the dangers at sea.
SPEAKER: Many people underestimate how quickly weather conditions can change.
SPEAKER: We also rely on volunteers who help organize fundraising activities.
SPEAKER: Without them, our work would be much more difficult.
ANNOUNCER: Before you hear the rest of the talk, you have some time to look at questions 17 to 20. Now listen and answer questions 17 to 20.
SPEAKER: Our training is continuous and focuses on technical skills and safe handling techniques.
SPEAKER: This training has given me the confidence to deal with extreme situations calmly.
SPEAKER: I had already completed a first aid course, which has been very helpful.
SPEAKER: We also receive training on handling ropes and tying knots.
SPEAKER: After my first year, I attended a one-week residential course.
SPEAKER: During the course we used a wave tank to simulate extreme weather conditions.
SPEAKER: For example, we practiced what to do if a lifeboat overturned during a storm at night.
SPEAKER: Since joining, I have dealt with many different emergency situations.
SPEAKER: The work is extremely rewarding.
SPEAKER: It’s not just about saving lives, but also about learning new technology.
SPEAKER: My background in IT has been useful in helping other volunteers.
SPEAKER: The team feels like a family, which helps during difficult situations.
SPEAKER: Sometimes we must leave our beds on a cold stormy night to respond to an emergency.
SPEAKER: Interestingly, the winter months can be the most rewarding.
SPEAKER: That is when incidents tend to be more serious, and you realize how much difference you can make.
SPEAKER: If any listeners are interested in volunteering, please contact us.
ANNOUNCER: That is the end of Part 2. You now have 30 seconds to check your answers.
