RNLI volunteers across the south east prepare to remain on call this Christmas
The RNLI remains on call 365 days per year – with lifeboats launching more than 100 times during the Christmas period* each year. Those on call this year include helm and navigator Rachel Collier from Sheerness RNLI.
Rachel will be on call this Christmas day at her micropub the Admiral’s Arm. The pub will be open to the public from 12 until 2 and later Rachel will host friends.
As the RNLI comes to the end of its milestone 200th year, the charity is launching its annual Christmas fundraising appeal.
Whatever, weather winter throws at them, RNLI crews are trained and ready to battle the elements to save lives at sea. These rescues, and others all year round, are only made possible by the RNLI’s generous supporters, helping to fund the essential kit, and equipment needed to keep crews prepared and protected.
Christmas is a time for family and friends, but the RNLI’s volunteer crews are ready to leave their own celebrations this festive season and answer the call for help, just like Rachel.
Rachel (48) recently passed out as helm for Sheerness’ inshore lifeboat ‘Buster’. She has been a volunteer at the station for the past seven years and raised valuable funds for the station before she joined as crew.
Rachel said: ‘Becoming crew felt like an exciting way to help my community. By volunteering with the RNLI I feel I am making a difference. Having not had any maritime experience before joining, I have loved learning new skills, including boat handling and navigation.’
Rachel came across the RNLI through the micropub, Admiral’s Arm, which she runs with her husband Chris. The pair wanted to choose one charity to fundraise for and decided to make the RNLI their nominated charity.
Since the pub started, they’ve raised about £42.5k for the RNLI. Including events at the pub, like the weekly quiz night with all proceeds going to the RNLI.
Rachel said: ‘There’s no feeling quite like bringing someone home safe to their families – especially at Christmas. Even at this time of year, people still get in trouble in the water, and we’re all prepared to leave our own celebrations to help them.
‘But as volunteer lifeboat crew we couldn’t launch without kind donations from the public which fund the kit, training and equipment we need to save others and get home safely to our own families.’
To make a donation to the RNLI’s Christmas Appeal, and enable the charity to continue its lifesaving work, visit: RNLI.org/WinterAppeal
RNLI media contacts
For more information please email Izzy Coley, RNLI Media Engagement Placement – South East Region on [email protected] or telephone RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.
RNLI at 200
In 2024, the RNLI celebrates 200 years of saving lives at sea – thanks to volunteers giving their time to save others, all funded by voluntary public donations. Throughout its 200th anniversary year, the charity is running events and activities to commemorate its history, celebrate the lifesaving service it provides today, and inspire generations of future lifesavers and supporters. For more information visit RNLI.org/200.
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.