Swanage RNLI lifeboat station puts out its own Mayday to raise vital funds

Funds raised will help support the charity’s vital lifesaving work, including the provision of important training and kit for the volunteer lifeboat crews who readily risk their own lives to save others whenever the call for help comes in.

Coxswain Dave Turnbull says: ‘Usually it’s our crew heading out to respond to Mayday calls, but now we’re the ones asking for help. Thousands of people get into danger on and around the water each year and need our help, but everything we do is only possible thanks to the generosity of our supporters.

‘We’re heading towards our busiest time of year, so we’re putting out our call for help to raise the funds which will help keep our lifesaving service going today and allow us to be there when we’re needed most.’

The Mayday Mile challenges participants to cover one mile a day throughout the month of May, wherever and however they like. Every penny raised through sponsorship will help the RNLI’s volunteer crews and lifeguards keep people safe this summer and beyond. Running a 24/7 lifesaving service is expensive and costs are rising - in 2023, it cost over £190M to run the RNLI.

The RNLI’s Mayday fundraiser begins on Monday 1 May and will run for the whole month across the UK and Ireland.

Sign up for the Mayday Mile now and find out more at rnli.org/SupportMayday

Notes to editors

• Swanage lifeboat station has been operating since 1875. To learn more about the lifeboat station go to: https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeboat-stations/swanage-lifeboat-station

• Swanage lifeboat station is celebrating 150 years of service in 2025

For more information please contact:

Becky Mack, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer, [email protected]

Charmaine Tideswell, Volunteer Deputy Lifeboat Press Officer, [email protected]

Regional Media Manager Hatti Mellor, [email protected]

or the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.

RNLI online

For more information, please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the RNLI News Centre.

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 over 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and, in a normal year, 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.