RNLI releases heart-warming Christmas film
This year marks the very first time the lifesaving charity have produced a Christmas film starring their very own lifeboat volunteers.
Filmed on location at the lifeboat station in Lyme Regis, Dorset, the heart-warming film aims to celebrate the dedication and commitment of all its volunteer lifeboat crews who will be on call during the Christmas period.
The RNLI’s festive film follows 25-year-old full-time TV Production Coordinator and crew member, Georgia Robson. Whilst preparing Christmas dinner, she is called away by the sound of her pager. She races to the Lyme Regis Lifeboat Station to join the rest of the crew who are preparing for rescue.
The crew launch the lifeboat to search for a casualty who they thankfully find and bring back to safety. As they prepare the lifeboat for service again, they discover a festive surprise in the station boathouse.
Over recent years, it has become a festive tradition for charities and businesses to release promotional Christmas films and adverts. But instead of actors and big budgets, the RNLI have produced the film in-house, featuring the very people who will be in action over Christmas.
Star of the film Georgia, a volunteer crew member, said: ‘I loved being involved in this film. Christmas is a time where families come together, but RNLI volunteers can be called away from their families and homes at any moment. I think this film beautifully highlights the 'togetherness' found within crews all around our coast.'
Sharing her thoughts on the festive film, Director of Fundraising, Media and Marketing, Jayne George, said, ‘Our RNLI festive film shows the magic of families coming together at Christmas.
‘But it also shows the reality of Christmas for some of our volunteers who will still be on call during their festive celebrations. We want to take this opportunity to thank our volunteers and supporters, we couldn’t do it without them.’
RNLI crews are busier than ever, with a 600% increase in call outs over the festive period*. Facing a ‘Perfect Storm’, the lifesaving charity experienced a shortfall in funds last year, but more people than ever still need its help.
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.