South Wales: Let’s Push The Boat Out for the RNLI!

The RNLI have set a challenge for supporters to push and Arancia lifeboat around Cardiff’s International Sport Stadium for 12 hours on Saturday 13 May. This is the first challenge of its kind set by the RNLI in Wales as the charity aims to raise £750,000 throughout the month of May to help kit the volunteer lifeboat crews across the coast.

Teamwork is vital for lifeboats crews and lifeguards. The fundraising event requires teams of 4-8 people to work together and support each other as they push the inshore lifeboat around the athletics track. One hour timeslots are available to book between 8am-8pm; these will be allocated at random 48 hours before the event.

The RNLI is asking people to ‘do your bit, fund our kit’ this Mayday and anyone who wishes to get involved in Push the Boat Out can sign up at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/push-the-boat-out-tickets-33275712552.

£25 per person will be required by each team member to register as well as a request to raise a minimum of £25 per person in sponsorship for their efforts. The money raised from the exciting new event will help fund lifesaving kit for RNLI volunteers who risk their lives to save those in trouble at sea.

Jen Abell, RNLI Community Fundraising Manager said:

‘Teamwork is vital for our volunteer lifeboat crews as they work together to save lives at sea. Push the Boat Out is a great opportunity for community groups, corporate companies or friends and family to test their teamwork as they push an Arancia lifeboat – like the ones used by the RNLI’s lifeguards – around the track.

‘Last year, RNLI lifeboat crews in Wales launched 1,185 times, rescuing 1,162 people and saved 73 lives. RNLI volunteer lifeboat crews around the UK and Ireland are willing to drop everything to go and save lives at sea when their pagers beep. The Mayday campaign is our own call for help, as we rely on the generosity of the public to help us continue our lifesaving service, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.’

RNLI media contact

For more information contact Eleri Roberts, RNLI Public Relations Manager on 01745 585162 / 07771 941390 or email [email protected].

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.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, X, 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.