The volunteer crew of The Mumbles RNLI Lifeboat Raft Race witnessed a record in the making over the weekend. It was the 31st annual fundraising raft race and the crew had 35 rafts from local companies and individuals.
Chairman of the Lifeboat Crew association David Thomas said: ‘ This is a fantastic effort from everyone involved. The raft racers had raised an awful lot of money and put in an amazing effort of raising sponsorship. Without fundraising events like this the RNLI simply could not exist. We are very grateful to anyone who popped some money in a bucket, sponsored a raft or bought a t shirt.'
This year's race saw a new course record of 12 minutes 25 seconds. The team from Coastal Housing Group beat last years record by five minutes.
The Mumbles RNLI Lifeboats have been recently featured in a new BBC Television series ‘Saving Lives at Sea’ the final episode can be seen this Wednesday night at 9pm on BBC1.
Media contacts:
For further information call Andy Miles, The Mumbles RNLI Lifeboat Press Officer at The Mumbles lifeboat station on 01792 361268 or Chris Cousens, RNLI Press Officer, Wales and West, on 07748 265496 or 01745 585162 or the main RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.
Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI charity 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 146,000 lives.
