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New Brighton RNLI face windy conditions on Christmas callout

Lifeboats News Release

Today (Monday 23 December), New Brighton RNLI brought in the festive period with a tasking in challenging conditions.

A wide shot of New Brighton beach at night, Liverpool skyline visible in the background. At the river's edge is the tractor, with boat just ahead having just launched. Crew stand and watch on from the beach.

RNLI/Connor Wray

New Brighton RNLI launch on service at night

It was an early wake up this morning (23 December) for volunteer crews at New Brighton RNLI, as the pagers sounded at approximately 1.45am. Whilst preparing at the boathouse, an assessment was made as to whether conditions allowed for a safe launch, with wind speeds topping 35 knots. Hoylake RNLI were also tasked to provide cover due to the inclement weather conditions.

With the Launch Authority and Helm satisfied, the Atlantic 85 B class lifeboat launched to attend an ongoing incident at Liverpool’s Pier Head. Thankfully the incident was shortly resolved with all involved safe, and all units were stood down by HM Coastguard to return to station, wash down and prepare for service once again.

Wind speeds of 35 knots represent a force 7 on the Beaufort Scale, placing it on the limit of safe operating conditions for a B class inshore lifeboat.

Tom McGinn, Helm during the shout said:

‘Whilst this incident was thankfully quickly resolved with a good outcome for all, it was a great example of the fabulous capabilities of our lifeboat. The crew performed well in tricky conditions late at night in cold and windy weather, a testament to the quality of the training at the RNLI.

'We know that Christmas is a popular time for family walks near the coast, so we’d urge everyone to exercise caution to ensure everyone has a restful and safe festive period!

'If you are out and about near the coast this Christmas, always check tide times and take precautions. Carry a means of communication with you always and, if you see someone in difficulty on the water, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.'

This Christmas New Brighton RNLI volunteers will be on call ready to save lives. On average, RNLI lifeboats launch over 100 times during the Christmas period every year. Whatever weather winter throws at them, the crew are 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, training and equipment needed to keep crews prepared and protected.

To make a donation to the RNLI’s Christmas Appeal, and enable the charity to continue its lifesaving work, visit: RNLI.org/WinterAppeal

Notes to Editors:

New Brighton RNLI was established in 1863 in the bustling seaside resort of New Brighton, on the northeast corner of the Wirral peninsula. They cover the River Mersey and out into the Irish Sea.

The station is home to a B class Atlantic 85 lifeboat, one of the fastest in the RNLI fleet. The crews at New Brighton have been presented with a remarkable 48 awards for gallantry to date.

RNLI Media Contacts

Connor Wray – Lifeboat Press Officer (LPO)

07756553092

[email protected]

A shot from the end of the empty launch carriage on the beach. Lights from the tractor shine directly into the camera, making for an interesting glare effect.

RNLI/Connor Wray

New Brighton RNLI's tractor and carriage lit up at night.

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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