Llandudno RNLI striving to save lives at sea in 2019
As the festive season approaches and another year draws to a close the volunteer crew members prepare for a potentially busy holiday period.
Llandudno RNLI volunteers have taken part in numerous rescues both off the coast and around our beaches in 2019, including a just in time rescue at the West Shore on New Year’s Day.
Llandudno Coxswain Graham Heritage who has volunteered on the lifeboats for over 35 years explained: 'my crew and I are all very proud to have served the public and helped to save lives. We will all be on standby over Christmas and the New Year as we are every year. There are several places around our local shores which can be extremely hazardous to the public, in particular the West Shore sandbanks is one of the places we would strongly advise people to avoid'.
Captain Marcus Elliott, Lifeboat Operations Manager adds: 'Thinking of local dangers, I would reiterate the need for everyone, whether local or not, to check tide times if they are planning to walk around the area’s beaches, especially as being cut off by the tide is a common cause of lifeboat call outs and all the more dangerous in the winter when sea temperatures are low. I would also urge those considering going afloat (if the weather is suitable!) to check their craft and safety equipment carefully before setting out. Breakdowns are also a common cause of lifeboat calls in our area and colder temperatures again increase risks. Do enjoy the festive season in the Llandudno area but safely'.
RNLI in Wales is issuing its own call for help, as new figures show Christmas call outs over the last 40 years have rocketed. Between 1979 – 1989, Welsh volunteers attended an average of four call outs over the Christmas period. During the last 10 years, the figure has risen by a dramatic 187 per cent, to an average of 11 lifeboat launches between 2009-2018.
The charity is facing a Perfect Storm, with more people drowning and a shortfall in funds, meaning support from the public is more vital than ever. To support the RNLI’s Perfect Storm appeal this Christmas, helping to ensure the charity’s brave volunteers can continue saving lives at sea, please visit RNLI.org/ThePerfectStorm
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
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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.