RNLI New Brighton and Mersey Divers in tug of war tussle
RNLI volunteer crew are being challenged by Mersey Divers in the second year of the annual competition between the two teams. The lifeboat crew pulled to victory in 2018 and hope to repeat the win at Fort Perch Rock beach on 1 January 2019.
The annual tug of war between RNLI New Brighton lifeboat crew and Mersey Divers kicks off at noon on New Year’s Day at Fort Perch Rock beach, opposite the Floral Pavilion.
The event attracted a good crowd for the first challenge in 2018, with even more expected in 2019.
Mike Jones, RNLI New Brighton tractor mechanic and team captain, said: ‘Although in its infancy, we’re absolutely committed to this being an annual event. We’re even in the process of having a trophy made that will be up for grabs each year.
‘Last year’s tug of war had good support but we’d love to see as many people as possible come down to cheer on their chosen team in 2019. It’s a fun way to get some fresh air and deal with any excesses from the night before too.’
The tug-of-war challenge was first suggested by one of the RNLI lifeboat station's volunteers as a great activity that involves the community while raising funds at the same time.
RNLI volunteers will be collecting on the day to support the charity's work in saving lives at sea.
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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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries
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