The Lifeboat Fund announces 2022 appeal

Building on the success of its 150^th anniversary appeal, The Lifeboat Fund is returning to a previous theme of preventing drowning. Funds raised during the appeal will go towards the following:

• Supporting projects at RNLI lifeboat stations at Whitby, Broughty Ferry, Blackpool and Tower on the River Thames, to update and build new lifesaving facilities.

• Continuing support for education projects to reduce the high instances of drowning in Bangladesh.

The improvements and development of facilities at the four lifeboat stations for RNLI lifesavers using the funding from this appeal will make a huge difference. It will provide RNLI volunteers and crew with the environment they need to maintain a world-class lifesaving service and continue to launch to those in trouble at sea.

The SeaSafe project in Cox’s Bazar in Bangladesh has been supported by The Lifeboat Fund and will continue to be through this year’s appeal. The project aims to reduce drowning at one of the most popular tourist destinations in Bangladesh. It includes an all-year round lifeguard service and swim survival sessions for children. The project makes a significant positive impact in preventing people from drowning.

Chair of The Lifeboat Fund, Sir Jeremy Fleming, said:

‘I’m pleased to be announcing the start of our 2022 fundraising appeal. The diversity of the projects reflects our geographical presence in the Civil Service. The challenges of the pandemic made us focus on how we can adapt for the future. Our trustees and fundraisers have worked hard to reposition the charity, building on past successes and gaining new supporters. I am delighted the RNLI regards us as the principal conduit for civil servants supporting its work, and I look forward to some great fundraising efforts throughout the year.’

Chief Executive of the RNLI, Mark Dowie, said:

‘I am extremely grateful The Lifeboat Fund has chosen to support some of our busiest lifeboat stations in the UK and will continue its support to our drowning prevention project in Bangladesh. The Civil Service Lifeboat Fund’s fundraising activities are vital to our lifesaving work, helping to keep our volunteers safe when they risk their lives to assist others. Supporting The Lifeboat Fund charity is the best way for civil and public servants to help save lives at sea. I encourage all civil servants, both serving and retired, to show their support for the RNLI by donating to their very own Lifeboat Fund charity.’

Founded in 1866, The Lifeboat Fund is the RNLI's longest-standing contributor and its single biggest donor. For the 150^th anniversary appeal, The Lifeboat Fund raised money for “Civil Service 53”, a Shannon class all-weather lifeboat to be named “Duke of Edinburgh”, which will be going into service at Wells-next-the-Sea later in 2022.

Visit www.thelifeboatfund.org.uk for more information.

ENDS

Notes to editors

Financial contributions to The Lifeboat Fund come from appeals delivered by volunteers across the Civil Service including from pension and payroll giving - by UK civil servants and staff of Royal Mail and British Telecom.

The public service charity’s sole purpose is supporting the lifesaving work of the RNLI. It has funded 53 lifeboats, paid for equipment and training for RNLI crews and lifeguards, funded lifeguarded beaches, and supported the RNLI’s international work. It has also made a significant contribution to the present Tower Lifeboat Station in funding the current pier and a previous lifeboat.

The Lifeboat Fund is an impressive example of public servants’ commitment to social responsibility, demonstrating how much they want to help the RNLI’s brave volunteers stay safe when risking their lives to save others. It is how the Civil Service and other public sector supporters across the UK – both serving and retired - show their support for the RNLI.

RNLI media contacts

For more information, please contact Chloe Barr, National Media Engagement Placement on 07790772788 or [email protected], or contact RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789 or [email protected].

RNLI online

For more information, please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the RNLI News Centre.

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.

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.