Queensferry RNLI volunteers take on Mayday Mile

Starting at Queensferry Lifeboat Station, crew members kitted up in their ‘yellows’ set off on the mile long walk to Port Edgar Marina, before completing the return route and taking on a second mile!

Mayday is the RNLI’s annual month-long appeal, taking place in May, ahead of the busy summer period. Supporters are encouraged to complete at least one mile during the month, by whichever means they like – walk, jog, hop or skip. Some of the volunteers at Queensferry RNLI decided to see out the end of the month by completing their own Mayday Mile, or two!

Queensferry RNLI also saw family members get involved in their Mayday Mile with one crew members’ parents visiting from Sheffield joining in. Two four legged friends, Heidi and Ralph, led the pack and even the station's newest mini crew member took part…being pushed in the pram counts too! There was lots of support along the route from the local community, as well visitors from far and wide, with 5 American Dollars being donated.

Recently released figures revealed 2021 was the busiest year ever at Queensferry RNLI with 90 launches aiding 167 people. Across the board Scottish lifeboat crews saw an increase to incidents involving paddleboarders, swimmers and sailing vessels in 2021, and with the trend expected to continue in 2022 with leisure activities on the water being a popular pastime for many keen to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Volunteer crew member at Queensferry RNLI, Chris Brydie, who was kitted up in a drysuit and lifejacket to complete the Mayday Mile, 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 our own call for help, as we rely on the generosity of the public to join or support events like Queensferry RNLI’s 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.

'Money raised through Mayday fundraising events like this one will make sure that RNLI lifesavers have everything they need to keep families safe this summer. Every second counts when the water turns against you, and RNLI volunteer lifeboat crews will drop whatever they’re doing when a call for help comes in.'

ENDS

Photo credit

Attached pictures show Queensferry RNLI volunteer crew members beside Atlantic 85 Lifeboat Jimmie Cairncross before the walk and at Port Edgar Marina during the walk. Credit RNLI/Queensferry Lifeboat Station.

Notes to editors

· The RNLI is the Royal National Lifeboat Institution.

· The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea.

· Queensferry RNLI is based at Hawes Pier, South Queensferry, EH30 9TB. The lifeboat station was founded in 1967 and the volunteer crew use an inshore Atlantic 85 B class lifeboat Jimmie Cairncross.

· In 2021 Queensferry lifeboat launched 90 times, aiding 167 and saving one life.

· Lifeboats in Scotland launched 1176 times in 2021 - 10% increase on 2020.

RNLI media contacts

Adele Allan, Lifeboat Press Officer, [email protected]

Natasha Bennett, RNLI Regional Media Officer for Scotland, 07826 900639, [email protected]

Martin Macnamara, RNLI Regional Media Manager for Scotland, 07920 365929, [email protected]

RNLI Press Office, 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 142,700 lives.

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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.