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Wirral lifeguards complete 200-mile relay challenge to mark RNLI's anniversary

Lifeboats News Release

This September, Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) Lifeguards in Wirral took on a 200-mile relay challenge to mark 200 years of the charity saving lives at sea

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Wirral Lifeguards during the challenge

To celebrate the RNLI turning 200 this year, 38 of the charity’s lifeguards took on the challenge and between them ran continuously, including through the night, over a 5-mile stretch for 32 hours.

The event began at 7am on Monday 2 September with a group run followed by 38 individual 5-mile legs between Harrison Drive beach and New Brighton beach. The team, which ranges in age from 16 to 60 years old, passed a lifeguard rescue tube as a baton and ran throughout the night, with the first lifeguard completing the group run plus an individual 10-mile leg.

Thirty-two hours later at 3pm on Tuesday 3 September the team completed the 200 mile challenge, smashing their 40-hour target.

Lucy Tilston, Lead Lifeguard Supervisor for Wirral and North Wales, said:

‘It's the first time we've done anything like this with the lifeguard team in Wirral. We thought it would be a really nice way as lifeguards to get involved with the RNLI’s 200th and raise money too.

‘The RNLI has been saving lives at sea for 200 years – a significant milestone for any organisation – and we are proud to be part of this legacy. By supporting our challenge, people are joining a community of lifesavers making a tangible impact on the RNLI’s future’

Throughout the challenge, there were some interesting fancy dress outfits including Shrek and donkey, 118 man and a cheerleader.

Olivia Davies, Seasonal Lifeguard Supervisor, said:

‘A heart-warming moment was when one of our younger lifeguards dragged their dad into the challenge and made him complete the whole 5-mile leg with her!

‘We also had some super speedy runners, one lifeguard completed the whole 5 miles in 30 minutes 3 seconds, and Lead Lifeguard Supervisor, Lucy Tilston, completed her leg at 1am, still managing a time of 34 minutes.

‘The toughest parts of the relay were definitely throughout the night, between the hours of 11pm and 7am. It was pitch black, there was no public presence and motivation was low, but it only made it even more rewarding when we came out the other side and were on the final stretch nearing the finish.’

Throughout both days, there was a raffle with some amazing prizes and a bake sale, which helped draw in a lot of the public and spread the word of the event.

The Wirral Lifeguard’s Just Giving Page has already raised over £2,000 for the RNLI.

Olivia said:

‘The final 5-mile leg was an extraordinary feeling for all, with the sun having come out and a lot of the public forming crowds and cheering us on for the final push.’

People are encouraged to contribute to the cause by visiting the Just Giving Page. Every donation, no matter the size, will directly support the RNLI’s mission of saving lives at sea.

As the busy summer lifeguard season draws to a close around the UK and Ireland, the RNLI is reminding people to be prepared when visiting the coast.

Lucy said:

‘Check the tide times and weather conditions before you head out and always take a means of calling for help. If you’re planning on going to the beach at the weekend, remember you can still head to a lifeguarded beach, just look up ‘find my nearest lifeguarded beach’ at RNLI.org, and please remember – no flags means no lifeguards.’

The RNLI was founded in 1824, and since then it’s lifeboats and lifeguards have saved more than 146,000 lives. It’s lifeguard service – founded in 2001 – has saved more than 2,000 lives, with its lifeguards coming to the aid of more than 400,000 people on beaches around the coast of Britain and the Channel Islands.

Notes to editors

· Find out which beaches are lifeguarded in your area by visiting the RNLI’s website: https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeguarded-beaches

· Find out more about the RNLI’s 200 year history: https://rnli.org/about-us/our-history

RNLI media contacts

For further information, please contact Ellie Wainwright, National Media Engagement Placement on [email protected] or 07854513319. Alternatively, contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336 789 or [email protected].

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Wirral Lifeguard team

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Fundraising alongside the challenge

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Fancy dress on the run

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Supported by Stormy Stan!

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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