Cowes RNLI celebrates volunteers who work to save lives at sea
On Thursday 1 August, Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) representatives from Cowes participated in a special photo moment – One Moment for One Crew – to create a photographic record of those involved with the lifesaving charity in this, its 200th anniversary year.
The charity, which was founded in 1824, asked its volunteers and staff from around the UK and Ireland to take a photo of themselves, their crew or their team, at as close to 18:24 on 1.8.24 as possible. Representatives including lifeboat crews, lifeguards, fundraisers, shop volunteers, museum volunteers and staff from RNLI communities around the country have taken part. The photos have been uploaded to an online portal and will be used to create a montage image.
Cowes RNLI station, including friends and family, managed to take their photo alongside Cowes Atlantic 85 Lifeboat, Sheena Louise, at precisely 6.24pm on 1.8.24, among the hustle and bustle of Cowes week.
Mark Southwell, Cowes RNLI Operations Manager, said:
“When the RNLI announced the date and time last year my immediate reaction was ‘that’s a challenge - it’s Cowes Week!’ As it happened this worked well and all our cheery waving was acknowledged by the crowds on Cowes Parade – what a great way to celebrate 200 years of saving lives at sea.”
Earlier in the week, Cowes RNLI station celebrated its female volunteers by running a Ladies Launch exercise, in which everyone involved, from Launch Authority to shore crew, boat crew and even the press officer taking photos, was female.
Anne Simkin, Cowes RNLI Launch Authority, said:
“Cowes RNLI station is at the forefront of RNLI efforts to create an inclusive and diverse environment where volunteers of all backgrounds can contribute to saving lives at sea. I am so proud to have been part of that journey, and of the wonderful people who make up our station.”
Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its volunteer crews and lifeguards have saved over146,000 lives – this equates to an average of two lives saved every day for 200 years.
For further information about the RNLI’s 200th anniversary, visit RNLI.org/200
- Ends -
RNLI media contacts
● Sofia Voudouroglou, Cowes RNLI Volunteer Deputy Press Officer 07594051372/ [email protected]
● George Chastney, Cowes RNLI Volunteer Press Officer 07530 254052/ [email protected]
For enquiries outside normal business hours, contact the RNLI duty press officer 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 142,700 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.
About Cowes RNLI Station
Cowes Lifeboat Station is converted from a former HM Customs Watch House, the rear of which is 300 years old. It looks out onto one of the world’s busiest shipping waterways and carries out a range of interesting services every year. It is the only station to be opened by Queen Elizabeth II.
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.
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.