A Norfolk lifeboat station will be on call 24/7 over the festive period, as the charity that saves lives at sea launches its Christmas appeal to help fund the work of its crew and more than 200 like them.
Hunstanton's volunteers will have their pagers on and ready to respond to emergencies - even if it means their turkey ends up in the microwave and they don't get to open their presents until they return from a 'shout'.
Their number includes sea-goers and shore crew who will be ready to put celebrations on the back burner for the first time if someone finds themselves in danger, along with crew-mates who have notched up more than 20 years of service with the RNLI.
Lifeboat Operations Manger Mike Gould 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 a 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.'
At the end of its milestone 200th year, the RNLI is launching its annual Christmas fundraising appeal, with a focus on the volunteers who are preparing to spend the festive season on call like those at Hunstanton.
On average, the RNLI's lifeboats launch more than 100 times during the Christmas period every year.
Whatever winter throws at them, their crews are ready to battle the weather to save lives at sea.
Their work is only made possible by the RNLI’s generous supporters, who help fund the essential kit, training and equipment needed to keep crews prepared and protected.
Equipping a crew member at Hunstanton with the clothing and kit they need to keep them warm and safe at sea costs £1,300, while the average annual training cost is £1,450 per person on board the station's lifeboat or hovercraft.
To make a donation to the RNLI’s Christmas Appeal and enable the charity to continue its lifesaving work, visit
RNLI.org/WinterAppeal.
RNLI picture caption
Picture attached of Hunstanton RNLI lifeboat
Spirit of West Norfolk and hovercraft
Hunstanton Flyer, which should be credited RNLI/Chris Bishop
Editor's notes
This year marked the 200th anniversary of the both the establishment of a lifeboat service at Hunstanton and the founding of the RNLI.
Today its crew operate the fast inshore lifeboat Spirit of West Norfolk and search and rescue hovercraft
Hunstanton Flyer.
Like 238 lifeboat stations around the coast of the UK and Ireland, their work is funded entirely by those who donate to the RNLI, or leave a legacy to the charity that saves lives at sea.
RNLI media contacts
For more information call Chris Bishop, Hunstanton RNLI volunteer Deputy Lifeboat Press Officer on 07584 147219, Clare Hopps, RNLI Regional Communications Manager, North and East on 07824 518641, or 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.