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Southwold and Dunwich Lifeboat Day 2023 - a success despite storms!

Lifeboats News Release

Southwold and Dunwich Fundraisers held their annual lifeboat day on Saturday 5 August. Despite torrential rain the event, which united the RNLI beach lifeguards and Aldeburgh lifeboat with Southwold lifeboat, was a resounding success drawing huge local support.

Jonathan Sapsford, [email protected]

Southwold RNLI and Aldeburgh RNLI provide demonstration

The day began with a joint demonstration from the combined teams. The lifeguards rescued a training mannequin and transferred it to Southwold’s lifeboat, the Annie Tranmer. Following this, Southwold’s crew played the parts of a fishing boat crew forced to abandon their vessel, for rescue by the Aldeburgh team.

Storm Antoni’s arrival brought wind and rain, but despite the conditions locals and holidaymakers came in their droves to watch the demonstration from the beach, promenade and cliff top.

Following the demonstration the crews returned to the Lifeboat Station, where visitors were able to view the lifeboats and chat to crew for the rest of the day.

Lisa Dann of the Southwold and Dunwich Fundraisers said ‘We are so grateful for everyone’s support on Lifeboat Day this year considering the weather. Southwold crew and flank station Aldeburgh put on an amazing display with our beach lifeguards, helping us raise more money than last year. An amazing team effort all round.’

Southwold RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager Simon Hazelgrove added ‘This really was a day to remember with the charity's lifeguards and Aldeburgh lifeboat joining Southwold Lifeboat as a ‘one-RNLI' team to put on a spectacular display. The torrential rain didn’t dampen anyone's spirits with the public coming out in force to support us for which we were all very grateful. It made us all feel very proud to be part of and serve this community.’

After the collection buckets had been emptied of rainwater and the counting completed, the total raised from the day was £2,109.24.

Plans are already underway for next year's 200th anniversary celebrations including a Summer Ball and a Lifeboat Week.

RNLI Picture caption
Please credit Jonathan Sapsford,
[email protected]

RNLI Media contacts

For more information, please contact Jez Taylor, Southwold RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer: [email protected]

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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