Wirral lifeguards praise paddleboarder undertaking RNLI fundraising challenge

Brendon is attempting to become the first person to stand up paddleboard (SUP) around mainland Britain in order to raise money for charities supporting water safety, men’s health and protecting coastal environments. Supported by a land team, Brendon is attempting to circumnavigate the UK, covering roughly 3800km by SUP. He will be paddling for between 6-12 hours a day, both day and night, covering over 80km on some of the longer parts of the journey.

An ex-surf lifeguard himself, (non-RNLI) Brendon became dedicated to increasing water safety awareness after unfortunately failing to save three people in trouble in the water whilst off duty at the beach. Following this experience, Brendon established his own charity Above Water to help increase and promote water safety education.

On a recent leg of his journey, which saw Brendon cross from North Wales back into England, he met some of the RNLI lifeguards at West Kirby beach. Ryan Jennings, the Lifeguard Supervisor at West Kirby says:

"We wish Brendon well on his journey. It’s certainly a brave attempt but we have full faith in him completing the challenge. It was great to meet him on his way and wish him luck. It’s people like Brendon, with his dedication to fundraising to support water safety, that enable us to keep saving lives at sea."

This world record has been attempted many times but never successfully. Brendon is hoping to not only become the first to achieve this but also set two other world records; to be the first person, and fastest, to travel from Lands End to John O’Groats via the coast and the longest ever journey on a stand up paddleboard.

When asked about why he chose to support the RNLI, along with six other charities, Brendon said:

"The RNLI are a fundamental water safety organisation on this island nation. Their existence should be celebrated and supported which is why it was never in doubt that The Long Paddle would support them."

If you’d like to keep up to date with Brendon’s progress, find out more about the challenge or donate, please head to: https://thelongpaddle.co.uk/

RNLI media contacts

For more information please contact Maddy Wright, Media Engagement Placement for Wales and West at [email protected] or Danielle Rush, Regional Media Manager for Wales and West at [email protected] or on 07786668829

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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 over 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and, in a normal year, 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 142,700 lives.