Three Welsh RNLI stations to feature in new series of popular TV documentary
Three Welsh RNLI stations to feature in new series of popular TV documentary
Lifeboats News Release
The volunteer lifeboat crews of Porthcawl, Barry Dock and Penarth RNLI will all take to the small screen next week as they feature in the latest episode of the BBC TV series Saving Lives at Sea.
Now in its fourth season, the documentary series showcases the lifesaving work of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI).
The new 10-part series features real rescues carried out by the charity’s volunteer lifeboat crews and lifeguards around the UK and Ireland – including Porthcawl, Barry Dock and Penarth.
The programme gives a unique insight into the lives and work of the charity’s lifesavers who are needed more than ever before, rescuing thousands of people and saving hundreds of lives around our coastline and on inland waterways every year. The new series features more dramatic real-life rescue footage, accompanied by emotive testimonials from the volunteer crews, lifeguards and the people they rescue and their families.
This forthcoming episode sees Welsh RNLI stations launching to a group of missing sailors and to reports of people in the water, alongside stories from other lifeboat stations around the coast.
Filming took place over the past year, with lifeboat crews and lifeguards carrying special cameras and welcoming film-makers into their day-to-day life. Rescues from the RNLI’s archives are also revisited, and we get a glimpse into the everyday lives of the thousands of men and women who give up their time to save lives.
This next episode of Saving Lives At Sea will not be broadcast in its usual time slot of Tuesday at 8pm on BBC 2 in Wales, and is instead available to watch on the BBC iPlayer after 9pm. The episode will air as normal at 8pm on BBC 2 throughout the rest of the UK. Although it is subject to change, the second episode featuring Barry Dock, Penarth and Porthcawl is planned to be shown on BBC 2 Wales on Saturday 7 September at 3:30pm. Keep an eye on the RNLI's social media channels to stay up to date with any changes.
Last year alone, RNLI lifeboat crews around the UK and Ireland rescued 9,412 people, saving 211 lives, while the charity’s lifeguards aided 32,207 people and saved 118 lives on some of the UK’s busiest beaches.
Saving Lives at Sea began on Tuesday 27 August at 8pm on BBC Two, and will continue throughout August, September and October.
Notes to Editors
The series is made for the BBC by Blast! Films.
Media contacts
For more information please contact Katie Lewis, Media Engagement Placement at [email protected] alternatively, call the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789 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.
