Santa divers take the plunge to raise money for RNLI

Run in aid of the Royal National Lifeboat Institute (RNLI) and the Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance, this ever-popular fundraising event aims to raise sack-loads of cash for the two charities.

Vobster Quay invites divers of all levels to grab their red pantaloons and fluffy beards - and as much festive cheer as they can muster - and head down to Vobster Quay near Mells, Somerset for a mass sponsored Santa dive in aid of charity. In previous years, the event has attracted divers from the far corners of the UK to join in the festive merriment for one last diving ‘swan-song’ before the Christmas and New Year break. Back in 2015, the event smashed the world record for the most Santa divers with over 180 divers taking to the waters donning their festive finery – a record that remains unbeaten to this day!

Vobster Santas isn't just about world records, though - it's also about raising some serious cash for charity. Once again, Vobster Quay is aiming to raise much-needed funds for the RNLI by encouraging divers to get into the spirit of the season. Through individual sponsorship and JustGiving donations, divers can invite their friends, family and work colleagues to sponsor them to join the mass Santa dive in the balmy waters of Vobster Quay dressed in their finest festive gear. Since the events’ inception, Vobster Santas has raised over £30,000 for the RNLI.

Vobster Quay will also be raising money for the Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance by raffling off a selection of prizes donated by some of the biggest brands in dive equipment.

'It’s been 10 years since the very first charity Santa dive took place at Vobster Quay and every year the event gets bigger and better,' says Vobster Quay owner, Martin Stanton.

'Vobster Santas is a superb way for divers to say a massive thank you to the both the RNLI and the Air Ambulance Service – two organisations that, together, are responsible for saving so many lives. We’re immensely proud of all that Vobster Santas has achieved and we hope even more divers will join at this year’s event on the 17 December. Let’s make Vobster Santas 2017 the biggest yet!'

Notes to editors

Divers wishing to participate can get involved by simply registering their attendance at www.vobster.com/vobstersantas. Once registered, Santa divers can start fundraising in a number of ways:

Direct Sponsorship - Download the Vobster Santas 2017 sponsorship form at www.vobster.com/vobstersantas and then pester your friends, family and work colleagues to sponsor you for the event.

JustGiving.com - Take all the hassle out of fund raising by simply pointing your family and friends to the Vobster Santas 2017 JustGiving page at www.justgiving.com/vobstersantas2016. They'll be able to donate online and will even be able to take advantage of GiftAid.

Mobile Phone text donation – supporters can also donate to Vobster Santas 2017 via a very simple text message. Simply text ‘VSAN77 XX’ where ‘XX’ is the amount you wish to donate to 70070.

Media contacts:

Contact Jason Brown on 07954 384170 / 01373 814666 or [email protected] / [email protected]

Website link: www.vobster.com/vobstersantas

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.