
RNLI Celebrates 200 years aboard Ullswater Steamers
The Royal National Lifeboat Institution celebrated its remarkable 200-year anniversary with a special event onboard the Ullswater Steamers this past Saturday (22 June).
The event, hosted by the Penrith RNLI Fundraising Guild, saw representatives from St Bees RNLI join the festivities, providing a unique opportunity for members of the public to engage directly with lifeboat crew members and learn more about their life-saving work.
The celebration was a tremendous success, with attendees enjoying an evening cruise on the picturesque Ullswater Lake. The presence of the St Bees RNLI crew allowed guests to ask questions and hear firsthand accounts of the daring rescues and invaluable services provided by the RNLI. The evening was not just a celebration of the past 200 years, but also a vital fundraiser to ensure the continuation of the RNLI's essential services.
'We are thrilled with the success of this event and grateful for the support of the Ullswater Steamers crew', said a spokesperson from St Bees RNLI. 'Their assistance in hosting this event was invaluable and contributed significantly to its success. A special thank you to everyone involved from the Penrith RNLI Fundraising Guild in making this a memorable evening.'
As one of the UK’s most renowned charities, the RNLI has been dedicated to saving lives at sea around the UK’s coastline and on some inland waterways since the 1820s. The institution is primarily run by volunteers who demonstrate extraordinary dedication and skill in their lifesaving efforts. Fundraising events such as this one are crucial in supporting the RNLI's mission to continue saving lives for another 200 years.
The RNLI’s Penrith Guild has a long history of hosting fundraisers at Ullswater, and this latest event highlights the strong community support for the charity. Attendees were treated to a beautiful cruise on Ullswater complete with entertainment, refreshments and canapes.
RNLI media contacts
For more information please email Joe Raymond, St Bees RNLI volunteer Deputy Lifeboat Press Officer [email protected].
Alternatively you can contact Claire Fitzpatrick-Smith, Regional Communications Manager on [email protected] or 07977 728 315.
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.