Super quick and super slick: RNLI lifesavers demonstrate how quick they kit up

RNLI lifesavers from Hastings have created an uplifting, fun social video to put a smile on supporters faces during these challenging times. The RNLI lifesavers have to be ready to respond 24/7 at a moment’s notice during the pandemic and in this quirky video, they can be seen kitting up in a matter of seconds.

The video showcases the Hasting volunteers jumping into wellies, drysuits appearing to be put on at a blink of an eye and an RNLI lifeguard walking round the back of his board and appearing in a wetsuit ready for action.

Andy Doe, Coxswain at Hastings RNLI said: ‘This year has been challenging for many, but also as a charity, we’ve faced our own challenging times with our fundraising efforts being hit hard. At Hastings RNLI we thought it was time to a put a smile back on our supporters’ faces and thought we’d showcase that our RNLI lifesavers are still on hand and ready to save lives at sea by producing a fun little video.’

RNLI lifesavers continued to work tirelessly throughout the pandemic to keep people safe as lockdown restrictions eased and people flocked to the coast.

The RNLI has spent £1.2M this year on PPE to keep its lifesavers and the public safe during the coronavirus crisis, including almost 700,000 face masks, 2.4 million gloves and 4,700 litres of hand sanitiser. Additionally, RNLI shops were closed, and fundraising events were cancelled, costing the RNLI millions in lost income.

As a charity, the RNLI relies on the support of the public to continue saving lives – and that support is needed now more than ever. The charity has launched its Christmas Appeal. To support, visit: RNLI.org/Xmas

Notes to editors

· More RNLI news and videos can be found here: https://rnli.org/news-and-media

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For more information please telephone Dave Riley, RNLI National Media Officer on 01202 336789 or [email protected] or the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.

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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