Help Selsey RNLI receive a service crucial bobcat
Selsey RNLI need a new bobcat to carry out their lifesaving work. The RNLI are asking for your support to help fund this vital piece of kit.
There has been a lifeboat station in Selsey since 1861. It is a busy stretch of coastline, so the volunteer crew operate both a Shannon class lifeboat and a D-class lifeboat to carry out rescues close to shore as well as further out to sea. By the end of 2023, Selsey’s lifeboats had launched a collective total of 2,413 times, with crews receiving 10 awards for gallantry.
These impressive figures would not have been possible without the aid of the station’s launch and recovery vehicle (BC04, an All-Terrain Bobcat T250 Compact Track Loader vehicle). This vehicle is crucial to transport the station’s D-class lifeboat to the waters edge. It is also used to grade the beach to ensure there is a clear route to launch the boat at a moment’s notice.
The Bobcat is a very capable vehicle, it has rubber drive tracks which reduce the possibility of the vehicle digging in and getting stuck. RNLI regional service technicians carry out 6 monthly, annual, 2 and 5 yearly service checks on bobcats. This helps in ensuring the D-Class can continue to be launched effectively.
Rob Archibald Selsey lifeboat coxswain said: ‘Our busy volunteer crews are ready to save lives at a moment's notice, but we can’t do it alone.
‘We need help to fund our vital kit. This ensures we have the most reliable and up to date equipment.
‘We are grateful to all the generous supporters who help keep the RNLI running 24/7.’
Although every effort is made to maintain the current assets, due to the harsh operational conditions these vehicles work in, it is inevitable that corrosion and day to day wear and tear slowly reduce the vehicles performance.
With the damage to Selsey’s current bobcat beyond repair and affecting their ability to launch safely, we are asking for your help to support the funding of their new bobcat. The cost to replace this vital piece of kit is £55,000. By donating, you will be helping Selsey’s lifeboat crew in achieving the charity’s ultimate aim of saving lives at sea.
If you would like to help us continue our lifesaving work. Please visit: Donate to the Selsey Launch Vehicle Appeal (rnli.org)
RNLI media contacts
For more information please email Izzy Coley, RNLI Media Engagement Placement – South East Region on [email protected] or telephone RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.
RNLI at 200
On 4 March 2024, the RNLI celebrates 200 years of saving lives at sea – thanks to volunteers giving their time to save others, all funded by voluntary public donations. Throughout its 200th anniversary year, the charity is running events and activities to commemorate its history, celebrate the lifesaving service it provides today, and inspire generations of future lifesavers and supporters. For more information visit RNLI.org/200.
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.
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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.