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Mayday! Put your best foot forward this May and help save lives at sea

Lifeboats News Release

Usually, the lifesavers of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) answer mayday calls – it’s the most serious call for help. But this May, they need YOUR help.

The charity is calling on the people of Weymouth to join the RNLI’s Mayday Mile to help raise vital funds to keep you and your family safe this summer.

It’s so easy to take part and support the RNLI’s lifesavers. Simply complete one mile a day, every day this May, wherever and however you like – walk, jog, hop or skip!

Last year Weymouth RNLI lifeboats were launched 77 times by the volunteer crew, going to the aid of 77 people, saving 8 lives. Money raised through the Mayday Mile could help RNLI lifesavers have everything they need to keep families safe this summer. Warmer weather draws more people to the water, and RNLI volunteer lifeboat crews will drop whatever they’re doing when a call for help comes in.

Steve Renyard, volunteer lifeboat operations manager says: ‘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 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 begins on Monday 1 May and will run for the whole month across the UK and Ireland.

Sign up for the Mayday Mile now and find out more at rnli.org/SupportMayday

Notes to editors

· Weymouth lifeboat station has been operating since 1896. To learn more about the lifeboat station go to: Weymouth Lifeboat Station - RNLI Lifeboat Stations

· A photo of Weymouth’s Severn lifeboat Ernest and Mabel and Jack & Phyl Cleare, a B class Atlantic 85 is attached.

RNLI media contacts

For more information please telephone Amanda Salter RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officers on 07585 610488 and [email protected], or [email protected] or Regional Media Officer on +441752854457 or [email protected] or contact 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.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter 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.

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