VOLUNTEERS are being sought to join the coastguard rescue service.

There are 347 of the teams in the UK, made up of more than 3,200 volunteers and the Redcar, Robin Hood’s Bay, Skinningrove, Staithes and Whitby teams are currently looking for new recruits.

In the past year, the teams have collectively been involved in more than 200 incidents, ranging from capsized boats to people stuck on cliffs and water rescues.

The senior coastal operations officer at Whitby, Chris Coulter, “Coastguard rescue officers are on call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, ready to respond at a moment's notice.

“They're trained in first aid and a variety of rescue techniques, from water, mud, rope and cliff rescues, to search methods and assisting helicopter operations.”

He added: “You’ll be given regular training, and all we ask in return is that you are situated within 20 minutes of the coastguard base, and be available to respond at most times.”

For more details contact Mr Coulter at chris.coulter@mcga.gov.uk or telephone 01947 602107.