New data reveals RNLI Sheerness launched 102 times in 2025

Across the UK, Ireland and the Channel Islands, RNLI lifeboat crews helped 8,290 people and saved 272 lives as the charity’s lifeboats launched more than 9,000 times in 2025, making it the sixth-busiest year in the charity’s history.

The RNLI data shows the high demand on lifeboat crews across the charity’s 238 lifeboat stations, and so the charity is putting out its own ‘Mayday’ call, urging the public to get involved with its biggest national fundraising event, the Mayday Mile, to help fund its vital lifesaving service.

Participants are challenged to cover a mile a day for the month of May, with every penny raised helping to make sure that the charity’s lifesavers have everything they need to keep people safe this summer and beyond.

Alan Carr Sheerness Lifeboats Operations manager says: ‘Each year we see how quickly things can change on the water. Our crews are always ready to respond, but we can only do what we do thanks to the public’s generosity. This May, we’re asking people to step up and support us through the Mayday Mile so we can keep saving lives when it matters most.

‘The new figures show just how demanding last year was. Every launch represents someone in urgent need — and our volunteers drop everything to help. With summer approaching, Mayday is our chance to make sure we have the equipment and training needed for whatever comes next.’

Whether you choose to walk, jog, hop or skip, a mile every day in May will help raise vital funds for RNLI lifesavers, so that they can continue to keep people safe at sea.

Kate Eardley, Head of International Global Drowning Prevention at the RNLI, said: ‘These latest statistics make it clear that our lifesaving service remains as vital as ever. Whether it’s paddleboarders caught by offshore winds, walkers stranded by the tide or boaters in difficulty, our crews are answering calls every day of the year.

‘Taking part in the Mayday Mile is a simple way for people to support our volunteers. Every pound raised helps ensure our crews can launch at a moment’s notice — and be there for families when they need us most.’

To sign up for the Mayday Mile, or to make a donation in support of the RNLI’s lifesavers, visit RNLI.org/supportMayday

ENDS

RNLI media contacts

For more information please telephone Megan Carr, Sheerness RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer [email protected], Regional Communications Manager on [email protected] or contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.

RNLI Media Contacts

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.

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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.