RNLI Volunteer Ed Ewer Highlights Abuse Faced by Rescue Service

In a recent LinkedIn post, Ed Ewer discusses the significant challenges and abuse faced by volunteers of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI). Ewer, who is a volunteer himself, shared his personal experiences and observations regarding the unwarranted criticism directed at the organization, particularly on social media platforms.

Ewer expressed his dismay at the recent wave of negativity, stating:

“This week has been a tough week…. Not because I wish I was in Cannes for the yacht show  Not because recruitment’s been tough this week (but it has)  But because of the abuse I’ve seen directed towards family, friends and colleagues across the RNLI”

The Impact of Unfounded Criticism

Ewer elaborated on the emotional toll this criticism has taken, both on himself and his fellow volunteers. He described the experience as a “hard read” and admitted to feeling angry due to what he perceives as unfounded or unsubstantiated claims made against the RNLI. This distress led him to take a temporary break from certain social media platforms.

“It’s got me to a point that I’ve blocked myself from Facebook and instagram for the next few weeks,” Ewer wrote.

Commitment to Saving Lives

Despite the negativity, Ewer reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to the RNLI’s mission. He highlighted the selfless dedication of all involved, from those building lifeboats to the volunteers collecting donations. Ewer emphasized that the core principle of their work is to save lives at sea, irrespective of the circumstances or background of those in need of rescue.

The Unquestioned Duty of a Volunteer

Central to Ewer’s message is the principle of service and the immediate, non-discriminatory nature of rescue operations. He articulated this by explaining his personal approach to volunteer work:

“Every time the pager goes off, I won’t even stop to think who I may be going to rescue, but will be working to the common goal of ensuring their safety.”

According to Ewer, the vast majority of the public understands and supports the vital role the RNLI plays. He expressed profound respect for everyone associated with the organization, underscoring the collective effort involved in their life-saving operations.

Ewer concluded his post with a positive note, wishing his connections a great Friday, but the underlying message was a strong defense of the RNLI and its volunteers against what he described as baseless attacks.