'Will you answer our call?'
'This summer, as crowds return to our beaches more people will get into trouble – and more people will need our help.
'We’ll have our work cut out to answer all those calls. The health crisis has taken its toll on lifesaving – disrupting crew training and delaying the arrival of kit. And we’re going to need your help this summer more than ever.
'So we’re sending out a Mayday call of our own, to you. A donation from you will help us get through a challenging summer. Can you help us save lives by answering our Mayday call?’
Rob Gaunt, Volunteer Lifeboat Helm at Scarborough
When we’re at our busiest by far, you can make sure crews like mine have everything they need to answer the next call for help.
Beaches will get much busier this summer
More people will get into danger
Our lifesavers will answer every call
A gift from you will make you a lifesaver too
Your caring donation will go where it’s needed most – it could pay for fuel, first aid kits or vital crew training.
This summer could be our busiest ever
And your donation will save lives in so many ways. It’s the training that empowers our lifesavers to know exactly what to do, whatever they’re faced with. It’s the stations and lifeboats, the fuel and kit that make every rescue possible. It’s the safety education that helps children stay safe when they’re near water – and know what to do if they find themselves in danger.
In 2020, for every £1/€1 spent on charitable activities, 56p/56c was on lifeboats, property and equipment; 27p/27c on running the lifeboat service; 11p/11c on lifeguard rescue; 4p/4c on safety, education and awareness; and 2p/2c on international drowning prevention.
Photo credit: RNLI/Nathan Williams, Callum Robinson