Extremely Busy Month For Blackpool RNLI Volunteers
July has been an extremely busy month for Blackpool’s RNLI volunteers who have responded to 26 emergencies since 1st July. 13 of the emergencies took place in a single week from 20th to 27th July 2019.
Blackpool’s RNLI volunteers responded at all hours of the day and night and in all weathers during an extremely busy month. As the summer holidays started and holiday makers and locals headed for the beach, the charity’s lifeboats launched to people cut off by the tide, swimmers in difficulty and missing children.
David Warburton, volunteer lifeboat helmsman, said ‘it’s been a really hectic start to the summer for our station. It’s great to see lots of people enjoying the beach but we would urge everyone to respect the water and enjoy the beach safely. Following a few simple steps can help keep you and your family safe; visit a lifeguarded beach, check the tide times, closely supervise children at all times and call 999 and ask for the Coastguard if you get into difficulty. For more advice and information about beach and sea safety visit rnli.org/safety/beach-safety’
Volunteer Lifeboat Operations Manager, Keith Horrocks MBE, said, ‘July has been exceptionally busy for our volunteers, in addition to responding to 26 emergencies, they’ve also attended weekly training exercises and hosted a really successful Family Fun Day. All of our volunteers have full time jobs and family commitments in addition to their RNLI volunteer roles so I’m extremely proud of their commitment and dedication to lifesaving.’
RNLI media contacts
For more information please contact Esther Lowe Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer, RNLI Blackpool telephone 01253 620424 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.
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.