RNLI lifesavers from Bridlington RNLI prepare to answer the call this Christmas
The RNLI is launching its Christmas fundraising appeal, as its volunteer lifeboat crews selflessly prepare to spend their Christmas on call.
On average, RNLI lifeboats launch over 100 times during the Christmas period* every year, with 119 launches in 2024.
Whatever weather winter throws at them, RNLI crews are ready to leave their celebrations with friends and family to battle the elements and save lives at sea.
These rescues, and others all year round, are only made possible by the RNLI’s generous supporters, helping to fund the essential kit, training and equipment needed to keep crews prepared and protected.
Christmas is a time for family and friends, but the RNLI’s volunteer crews are ready to leave their own celebrations this festive season and answer the call for help.
Just one of the thousands of crew members preparing for a Christmas on-call is Ash Traves. Helm at Bridlington RNLI. Ash said ‘I am one of three generations that volunteer at Bridlington RNLI, my grandmother is part of the Women’s Guild at Bridlington RNLI and my dad, Chris, is also a Launch Authority at the station. Both my dad and I are on-call over the Christmas period and are willing, should the need arise to drop the festivities should we get a call for service.
Ash added, ‘There’s no feeling quite like bringing someone home safe to their families – especially at Christmas. Even at this time of year, people still get in trouble in the water, and we’re all prepared to leave our own celebrations to help them.
‘But as volunteer lifeboat crew we couldn’t launch without kind donations from the public which fund the kit, training and equipment we need to save others and get home safely to our own families.’
To make a donation to the RNLI’s Christmas Appeal, and enable the charity to continue its lifesaving work, visit: RNLI.org/WinterAppeal
ENDS
*’Christmas period’ refers to 24 December – 1 January inclusive
Stats for 2024: 119
2023: 120
2022: 102
2021: 107
2020: 108
RNLI media contacts
For more information please contact Mike Milner, RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer: [email protected] or call:07751-054052 or alternatively contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789 or [email protected]
Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI is the charity that 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 146,700 lives.
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