The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) has issued new guidance on when and how its staff and volunteers should wear the charity’s uniform in public, following reports of unacceptable abuse directed at crew members.
The guidance, issued by the RNLI’s welfare and safety teams, sets out practical steps for dealing with threats or harassment and clarifies when wearing the uniform is appropriate.
The charity says the safety and welfare of its volunteers and staff is paramount and that abuse, harassment or threats will be treated as a serious matter.
RNLI emphasises that staff should report any incidents to their line manager, the welfare team, or police, and that support will be provided.
The RNLI said staff have suffered unacceptable abuse, and the new guidance is intended to support and protect them when representing the charity in public.
The guidance will be circulated to all lifeboat crews, shore crews and other volunteers, with training and refreshers to help people assess risk.
It also reiterates that the uniform is a symbol of public service, and asks the public to treat crew members with respect.
The RNLI said it would review the guidelines regularly and update them as needed.
