The RNLI is looking for a volunteer to play a "pivotal role" in helping save lives on the water in South West Cornwall in the form of water safety officer.

While the RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea, it’s not limited to launching a lifeboat or providing lifeguards to save lives.

A water safety officer is described as a pivotal role in helping to reduce the number of preventable deaths and incidents that occur locally both at the coast and at inland waterways, such as rivers.

Covering West Cornwall and The Lizard Peninsula, the volunteer in this role will be designing a community lifesaving plan to identify ‘at risk’ groups, developing targeted interventions, and leading regular water safety meetings.

Guy Botterill, area lifesaving manager for South West Cornwall, said: "Volunteering with us gives people the opportunity to make a real difference in their local community, to save lives and become part of the larger RNLI family.

"We can’t keep people safe without the support of our wonderful volunteers, who truly make a difference every day no matter which role they are fulfilling.

"Becoming a volunteer water safety officer is a great chance to play a crucial part in helping to save lives. We’re looking for enthusiastic people who have good knowledge and experience of coastal environments, supervisory experience and an understanding of risk management."

The RNLI provides extensive training and equipment, guidance and support to all volunteers, from volunteer lifeboat crew to shop volunteers and event marshals.

Anyone interested in the role can find the post and apply at https://volunteering.rnli.org/vacancy/water-safety-officer-434796.html

The closing date for applications is February 12, 2021.

You can also find out about other opportunities available near you at www.rnli.org/volroles