200 craft to gather on Thames to celebrate RNLI’s 200th anniversary
On Saturday 6 July at 6pm 200 boats, kayaks, canoes, paddleboards and other craft will gather along Thames in front of Hampton Court Palace to celebrate 200 years of the RNLI.
The fundraising event organised by Thames-based Sea Scout groups and Teddington RNLI the spectacle will bring together canoe clubs, skiff clubs, sailing clubs and enthusiastic individuals. It will last around an hour.
Jon Barker, Teddington crew member since the lifeboat station’s opening in 2002 said: ‘This will be a fantastic way to celebrate 200 years of the RNLI. Teddington RNLI lifeboat station covers the stretch of river from Molesey Lock to Richmond Lock and to gather 200 craft in front of such a historic site will be a true spectacle.’
Richard Hunt, Group Scout Leader, 1st Cuddington (Warspite) Sea Scouts added: ‘The Thames-based Sea Scouts are thrilled to be part of this important celebration. We wanted to celebrate the RNLI anniversary in a way that showed how many people enjoy the river and the importance of the charity.’
The RNLI is wholly funded by donations and legacies, it receives no government support. Donations can be made at https://www.justgiving.com/page/jonathan-barker-1719840294477?utm_medium=fundraising&utm_content=page%2Fjonathan-barker-1719840294477&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=pfp-share
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Notes to editors
· Teddington RNLI Lifeboat Station is one of four on the Thames and has a total team of around 45 volunteers, including fundraisers, education and water safety team.
· If you are interested in volunteering with the RNLI, visit https://rnli.org/support-us/volunteer/how-you-can-volunteer
RNLI media contacts
For more information please telephone Gianna Saccomani, RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 07798905515 or [email protected] or Grace Palmieri, RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 07855487508 or [email protected]
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.