
Whitby RNLI rescue Santa
Whitby lifeboat crew have filmed a special Christmas episode of Saving Lives at Sea.
One of the crew's wives, Linda, came up with the idea of making a festive version of Saving Lives at Sea, the RNLI Documentary which featured on BBC 2 this year. Whitby RNLI were in the first episode of the show.
So the crew set about filming a rescue of Santa on Christmas Eve.
RNLI Station Mechanic Richard Dowson who played Mrs Claus said: 'The video is a bit of fun to try and spread a bit of festive cheer and laughter at Christmas. We have a lot of supporters on Facebook and Twitter so we like to give something back to them.
'Although it is very light-hearted there a few important safety messages in the video. Luckily Santa was wearing a life jacket while flying his sleigh over the harbour!'
The volunteers at Whitby lifeboat station and around the country are on call every day of the year, 24 hours a day including Christmas.
Whitby RNLI Coxswain Howard Fields said: 'We'd like to remind people visiting the coast to stay safe, check the tide times before you visit the beach, and if you or someone else gets into difficulty call 999 and ask for the coastguard.
'We would like to wish all of our supporters, followers and fundraisers a very Merry Christmas and a happy New Year.'
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For more information contact RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer Ceri Oakes on: 07813359428 or at [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.
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