Once again the RNLI lifesaving charity is set to challenge its image of being only a traditional, historical organisation with the launch this week of its first podcast, called The Lifepod, on its website at www.rnli.org.uk
The charity, whilst still wholly embracing its historic roots and traditional ways of engaging volunteers and supporters, is showing just how much the RNLI has come up to date since the onset of the internet and e-media with a podcasting facility enabling supporters, the media and dedicated volunteers and staff to hear the latest information. They can either listen in straight away or download onto an MP3 player for listening later.
The first podcast features broadcaster Josette Lesser interviewing Head of Fundraising and Communications Services, James Vaughan, about the exciting things running on the RNLI stands at the boat show; Principal Engineer Neil Chaplin talks about the development of the RNLI’s latest high-spec all weather lifeboat the Tamar; and Josette goes in search of an actual Tamar at Padstow, Cornwall where they have just received delivery of their new high-tech boat as well as a new boathouse and slipway. She meets the crew and gets a trip out on it.
Talking about the new podcasting facility for the RNLI, Head of External Communications, Spencer Gammond, says:
‘Through Lifepod we hope to reach out to a wider audience of sea-users and supporters by offering a new perspective on our volunteer crews’ lifesaving work around the coast. We will be featuring a wide range of news content such as rescue reports, sea safety information, interviews with lifeboat crews and even the occasional celebrity interview. Lifepod will provide a unique insight into the RNLI’s often difficult and dangerous work. Hopefully, it will encourage the many groups who enjoy leisure pursuits on the sea – and who ultimately, if they get into difficulty, can depend on our crews’ help at any time of day or night – to support us.’
There will be an initial run of four, monthly podcasts until the end of this year to gauge popularity, with the potential to run the facility indefinitely.