Hayling Island RNLI marks a milestone year

Hayling Lifeboat Station said goodbye to a busy year at the end of 2023. The Coastguard requested 105 rescue launches, which is a fair increase on the 80 requested in 2022. The volunteers also carried out a further 183 launches over the 12 months, as the crews took to the water in all weathers to carry out training exercises afloat. The lifeboat station also welcomed 13 fantastic new volunteers during the year.

On New Years Eve, not long after the crew finished their last training of the year, they had washed and prepped the boats and were about to set off home, and a call came through from the Coastguard. An immediate launch of both boats was requested, following reports of a kayaker in the water in need of assistance near Chichester Marina - so the crews jumped into action and within minutes both boats were on the water and heading off to the given location.

The Atlantic 85 was first on scene and found a very wet and cold gentleman showing some signs of hypothermia. An ambulance was requested and the crews from both lifeboats provided casualty care until the ambulance arrived. Once the gentleman had been taken into the care of the paramedics, the crew headed back to the station, and again prepped the boats ready for service before heading home to their families.

2024 will also be a year to remember, as it marks a huge and special milestone for the RNLI, as the charity celebrates 200 years of life saving. Over the years the boats have changed a great deal, once crews launched wooden boats with oars and sails, these days they have motor-powered lifeboats, intelligent technology and communications. Equipment and operations are also different, but two things that have remained the same throughout, are the dangers of the sea and unpredictable weather. Rescue missions have also changed and in recent months Hayling Lifeboats have been tasked to help sailors and fishermen, jet-skiers and kite-surfers, walkers and dogs cut off by the tide, swimmers, paddleboarders and more. The RNLI relies on its loyal and generous supporters, as without their kind donations they would be unable to fund the kit, training and equipment needed to save lives at sea. To make a donation to the RNLI, and enable the charity to continue its lifesaving work for another 200 years and more - visit: RNLI.org/WinterAppeal

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,700 lives.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.