Prime Highlights :
- Jane Hier received an Excellence in Volunteering Award from RNLI for her work in supporting women in search and rescue operations.
- She led the Women in Search and Rescue Scotland event, bringing together over 35 female operational volunteers for training and skill development.
Key Facts :
- Jane Hier serves as a lifeboat helm at Kessock station and became its first female helm in 2022.
- The event included sea exercises, classroom training, and sessions on returning to duty after major life events.
Background :
A volunteer from Scotland has been honoured for her contribution to advancing women’s participation in search and rescue operations. Jane Hier received an Excellence in Volunteering Award from the RNLI for her efforts in building a strong support network for women in the sector.
Jane, who serves as a lifeboat helm at Kessock station, became its first female helm in 2022. Beyond her operational duties, she has played a key role in encouraging and supporting women across lifeboat stations in Scotland.
In the fourth week of October, she led the first Women in Search and Rescue Scotland event in Inverness. The initiative brought together more than 35 operational women, representing a significant share of female volunteers in the region. The programme focused on skill development, teamwork and knowledge sharing.
Participants joined sea exercises like navigation, towing, and search operations, along with classroom training in casualty care and chart work. The event also focused on going back to duty after major life events, with help from experts in emergency services, healthcare and sports.
The initiative increased confidence among participants and improved links between volunteers from different stations. Many attendees continue to stay in touch and form a supportive network.
RNLI officials stated that Jane’s leadership has had a lasting impact by encouraging more women to take on operational and leadership roles. The organization plans to expand similar initiatives in the future.
