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Wirral lifeguards take on 200-mile relay challenge to mark RNLI’s bicentenary

Lifeguards News Release

200 miles for 200 years: On Monday [2 September] Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) Lifeguards in the Wirral will be putting their best foot forward in a 200-mile relay run to celebrate the charity’s 200th anniversary.

RNLI

Stock image of RNLI lifeguard.

Starting at 7am, 38 lifeguards will run continuously for approximately 40 hours, with each team member covering a 5-mile stretch from Harrison Drive beach to New Brighton beach and back, passing on a lifeguard rescue tube instead of a baton. Two extra group runs will be added throughout the challenge to make the distance up to 200 miles.

The team – ranging in age from 16-60 years old – has been in training for three months to ensure the relay goes smoothly, topping up the high levels of fitness their job already demands.

Lucy Tilston, Lead Lifeguard Supervisor for the area, said: ‘Me and the lifeguards have been going out for regular runs in the lead-up. Our regular training on the job keeps us fit, but we want to make sure we’re ready for the challenge, especially as we’re running through the night.

‘The RNLI has been saving lives at sea for 200 years – a significant milestone for any organisation – and we are proud to be part of this legacy. By supporting our challenge, you are joining a community of lifesavers making a tangible impact on the RNLI’s future. Let’s come together and show what we can achieve when we support one another.’

People are encouraged to contribute to the cause by visiting the Wirral Lifeguards’ JustGiving page. Every donation, no matter the size, will directly support the RNLI’s mission of saving lives at sea.

As the busy summer lifeguard season draws to a close, with beach patrols only on weekends – apart from on nearby Crosby beach – the RNLI is reminding people to be prepared when visiting the coast.

Lucy said: ‘Check the tide times and weather conditions before you head out and always take a means of calling for help. If you’re planning on going to the beach at the weekend, remember you can still head to a lifeguarded beach, just look up ‘find my nearest lifeguarded beach’ at RNLI.org, and please remember – no flags means no lifeguards.’

The RNLI was founded in 1824, and since then it’s lifeboats and lifeguards have saved more than 146,000 lives. It’s lifeguard service – founded in 2001 – has saved more than 2,000 lives, with its lifeguards coming to the aid of more than 400,000 people on beaches around the coast of Britain and the Channel Islands.

Media Enquiries:

For further information, please contact Tom Dale, Regional Communications Manager, on [email protected] or 07977 157959. Alternatively, contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336 789 or [email protected].

RNLI

RNLI Wirral lifeguards will run 200 miles for 200 years of the RNLI's lifesaving service.

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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