Mad March sea dippers raise funds for RNLI
Over 100 brave people, including many members of the local community, the mayor of Hastings and Hastings RNLI crew, took a sea dip in very cold conditions on Sunday 8 March to raise funds for the RNLI
Paul Freathy, chair of Hastings Lifeboat Management Group, said :- 'It was very disappointing we had to cancel the sponsored dip in December, and I am so pleased it was able to take place safely today.
“It was great to see well over 100 people taking part, with our crew and the mayor of Hastings joining so many members of our local community in the sea.
“The RNLI relies entirely on public donations to save lives at sea. We are very grateful to our supporters who join in events like this, even though the sea is bitterly cold this time of year, to help us raise these vital funds :- thank goodness for mad people!
“Seriously, I would like to thank everyone who took part, the Hastings Voluntary Lifeguards for providing the safety cover and, of course, our own team of volunteers who organised this event. It is just brilliant to have such support.'
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.