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Scroll signing, swimmers and sand art: an historic day for Cullercoats RNLI

Lifeboats News Release

Saturday saw the continuation of Cullercoats RNLI’s 200th anniversary celebrations, with a commemorative scroll arriving in the village.

RNLI drawn in sand on the beach, with swimmers gathering over the numbers '200'

Alan Blackie

Sand Art and Swimmers: Open-water dippers gather in formation around sand artist's work

The scroll is travelling relay-style between lifeboat stations, with volunteers from each invited to sign and commit to continuing to save lives at sea.

The pledge reads: ‘Whoever we are, wherever we are from, we are one crew, ready to save lives. We’re powered by passion, talent and kindness, like generations of selfless lifesavers before us. This is our watch, we lead the way, valuing each other, trusting each other, depending on one another, volunteering to face the storm together. Knowing that, with courage, nothing is impossible. That is what has always driven us to save every one we can. It's what makes every one of us a lifesaver.’

In recognition of this momentous occasion, open water swimmers were encouraged to gather in Cullercoats Bay for the arrival of the scroll, where local sand artist Rob Williams and wife Maxine had drawn out ‘RNLI 200’, before the swimmers gathered firstly on the beach then in the water to create a spectacular arrangement when observed from the air.

Around 100 swimmers bravely took to the chilly water, joining hands to create a circle that represented community, solidarity and support for the RNLI’s lifesaving mission.

Cullercoats RNLI’s Chair of Fundraising David Darlington said: 'Cullercoats Bay was the place to be this weekend! We hosted an unforgettable cold-water dip to mark the RNLI’s 200th anniversary and what a turnout! Around 100 dippers of all ages braved the chill, creating memories (and goosebumps!) that will last a lifetime. Between the stunning sand art, the breath-taking aerial shot of our human circle and the incredible generosity of our community we raised over £500 for the RNLI. Thank you to every single person who helped make this event a success and we look forward to welcoming our community from near and far to our harbour day on Saturday 20 July.'

The scroll was signed by representatives of the Cullercoats boat crew, fundraising and water safety teams and will continue its journey north next week.

RNLI Media contacts

For more information, please contact Sarah Whitelaw, RNLI volunteer lifeboat press officer: [email protected]

Persons in formal dress stand outside the lifeboat station holding the scroll in a case

Helen Cowan

The commemorative RNLI scroll arrives at Cullercoats lifeboat station
Man wearing RNLI shirt and tie signs RNLI scroll

Helen Cowan

Cullercoats RNLI volunteer shop manager Robbie Saddler adds his commitment to the pledge
Around 100 persons stand in the shallows, forming a circle

Alan Blackie

Swimmers form a circle in Cullercoats Bay, showing their support and solidarity
Aerial photo of around 100 swimmers forming a circle in the bay

Alan Blackie

Circle of solidarity: dippers take to the water to show their support for the RNLI's lifesaving mission

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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