New data reveals an increase in rescues by RNLI Penarth
The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) has released its rescue figures for 2021, which show a total of 408 lives saved by the charity’s lifeboat crews and lifeguards last year – more than one life saved every single day, and a 17% increase in the number of lives saved on the previous year.
Locally, the latest annual statistics reveal RNLI Penarth saved 4 lives in 2021. The crew launched the lifeboats 41 times to rescue 54 people in total – a 42% increase on the previous year’s rescues.
The RNLI is now putting out its own Mayday call as it faces yet another busy summer. With high numbers of visitors expected as people continue to choose to holiday closer to home, more funds are needed to ensure the lifesaving service is able to keep everyone safe.
Jason Dunlop, Lifeboat Operations Manager at RNLI Penarth, said:
‘‘Summer is our busiest time of year, with thousands of people at risk of getting into danger by the water. Ordinary people just enjoying days out with family or friends.
“Mayday is the RNLI’s own call for help, as the charity relies on the generosity of the public to take part in events like the Mayday Mile and raise the funds that allow us to be there when we’re needed most. But we need to be ready. Training, kit, stations, fuel … these are just some of the things we need to save lives, and that your fundraising can help provide.”
The RNLI’s Mayday national fundraiser has been running throughout May across the UK and Ireland.
Jason Dunlop added: “It’s clear from these new figures that demand for our services is continuing to rise, with our lifesavers dropping everything to run to the lifeboat station when the call comes. Every penny raised during Mayday will go towards ensuring we are ready to save even more lives this year.”
To support the Mayday fundraiser or to make a donation in support of the RNLI’s lifesavers, visit RNLI.org/supportMayday
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
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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.