Rescue volunteers revealed as second most trusted profession during Volunteer Awareness Week

22 June 2011 – The selfless work and countless hours invested by the nation’s rescue volunteers has been recognised, with the profession ranked second in the 2011 Readers Digest “Most Trusted Professions” Poll

Fire fighters retain the number one spot in the annual poll, a position held for a number of years, and paramedics were placed third.

Bruce Reid, Coastguard CEO, says “It is fitting that these results have been announced during Volunteer Awareness Week as it reinforces the key role rescue volunteers play in keeping communities safe. They not only serve to save lives but also act as trusted and respected individuals and are seen as such because of what they do and how they go about doing it.

“Coastguard has 2,239 volunteers who give over 350,000 hours every year to keep the boating community safe. They don’t do it for any reward so we are delighted that their efforts and those of other rescue services can be recognised in this way,” he says.

Volunteer Awareness Week (19th – 25th June) is currently being celebrated around the country. This year Coastguard is honouring not only their outstanding volunteers but the families, friends, colleagues and employers who stand alongside and support the volunteers commitment to saving lives at sea.

ENDS

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