Haven and RNLI partnership raises over £115,000 to save lives at sea

Haven has raised over £115,000 across its holiday parks to support the RNLI’s lifesaving work since the partnership launched in March.

Throughout the year, Haven teams, holiday home owners and holidaymakers have thrown themselves into events and challenges for the RNLI’s flagship fundraising campaign Mayday and seafood-themed Fish Supper event.

They include Strictly-inspired dance contests, a yellow welly relay between parks, family festivals, donkey rides, football tournaments, open water swimming and leg-waxing.

Haven and the RNLI’s cuddly mascots Rory the Tiger and Stormy Stan also got involved in the family fun at parks, together with the other members of Haven’s Seaside Squad.

Even more importantly, the partners have had the opportunity to share the RNLI’s water safety advice with guests at Haven holiday parks.

More than 3,000 children took part in RNLI Coastal Explorer, a co-created family activity led by Haven’s Park Rangers that helps kids enjoy the coast while learning how to stay safe beside the seaside.

The partnership has also seen the RNLI gain new supporters, with 83 people signing up at one park in Devon alone.

Looking ahead to 2019, Haven and the RNLI are planning to develop their relationship to promote water safety through fun events on and around their parks.

Jayne Clarke, Head of Marketing and Media at the RNLI, says, ‘It has been a delight to partner with Haven. The energy, enthusiasm and selflessness of their teams have been fantastic. We’d like to say a very big ‘thank you’ to all at Haven. We are looking forward to developing our partnership in 2019 to help more families enjoy safe, happy holidays.’

Jane Bentall, Managing Director at Haven, says, ‘We are so proud of our partnership with the RNLI and what a fantastic year it has been. In 2018, Haven welcomed 2.9 million guests to the coast, so it is so important that we have the opportunity to share vital water safety advice with them. We look forward to supporting the RNLI next year and hope to raise even more to help the brave individuals who save lives at sea.’

For more information, please call Mike Carhart-Harris, RNLI Public Relations Manager (Campaigns) on 01202 663168 or [email protected]

About Haven

As one of Britain’s leading family holiday companies, Haven own and operate 40 award-winning family holiday parks throughout England, Scotland and Wales. They offer a full programme of activities and entertainment alongside being located next to some of Britain’s most beautiful beaches and brightest resorts making them a great base for exploring the local area. Find out more at haven.com

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.