The Hibbert Assembly FOR THOSE IN PERIL IN THE SEA Topics for discussion
1. What is the value of doing voluntary work? Who benefits from it?
2. Should people risk their lives to rescue others? If so, should everybody do this?
3. What sort of qualities would you expect to find in a person who volunteered to serve in a lifeboat?
4. Should the lifeboat service be run as a charity - as it is now - dependent on voluntary donations, or should it be provided by the state, out of taxation, and with salaried crews? (The RNLI justify the principles on which it is based on the grounds that it can remain independent of political pressure and government spending cuts. It argues that a service staffed by volunteers is likely to be more efficient since its crews are especially capable and have a particular local knowledge.)
5. The RNLI makes no charge for its rescues. But should people be expected to pay for the vital help it has given them? (RNLI argues that if people knew they would have to pay, they might be very unwilling to put out distress signals and might then increase their danger. If the situation worsened as they delayed, lifeboat crews would also be put in graver danger.)
6. Are there aspects of modern-day life where a new voluntary service might be welcomed?
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