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Dozens Dip in support of Littlehampton RNLI

Lifeboats News Release

Now in its third year Littlehampton RNLI fundraisers organised a December Dip from Littlehampton East Beach as a fun and invigorating winter event raising funds for the RNLI.

Participants in the water as Littlehampton Lifeboats look on.

RNLI/Anthony Fogg

Participants in the water as Littlehampton Lifeboats look on.

This time though it was held in January, third time lucky as stormy weather conditions during December meant that the event was postponed twice due to high winds. Despite the grey chill of a January Sunday the atmosphere of anticipation warmed the participants as they waited for the countdown to enter the water. Both participants and onlookers joined the countdown and as a horn sounded the dippers headed into the water either for a paddle or a full immersion. A maximum time limit of time in the water was set with warm drinks and garments ready as people left the water. Safety was overseen by the volunteer crews of both Littlehampton lifeboats Renee Sherman and Ray of Hope with support from Arun Yacht Club and lifeguards from Brighton Surf Lifesaving Club. Ashore, Littlehampton RNLI’s shore crew and fundraising volunteers managed the event and St John Ambulance were also on hand.

Cian Mathews, Littlehampton RNLI’s Fundraising Chair, said: ‘This is our third year holding the December Dip and I’m in awe of the continuing generosity, bravery and kindness of the people of Littlehampton; they turned a cold grey morning in to a wonderfully warm, colourful and welcoming event. We raised over £3000 which will directly support the RNLI, that is wholly funded by donations, enabling us to continue saving lives at sea.’

ENDS

RNLI media contacts

Anthony Fogg, Deputy Lifeboat Press Officer, Littlehampton RNLI 07823 509032 [email protected]

Hatti Mellor, Regional Communications Manager – SE & London, RNLI 07724 801305 [email protected]

For enquiries outside normal business hours contact the RNLI duty press officer 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.


Participants wave at Littlehampton Lifeboats as the dippers prepare to enter the water.

RNLI/Anthony Fogg

Participants wave at Littlehampton Lifeboats as the dippers prepare to enter the water.
Participants wave at Littlehampton Lifeboats as the dippers prepare to enter the water.

RNLI/Anthony Fogg

Participants wave at Littlehampton Lifeboats as the dippers prepare to enter the water.
Participants in the water as Littlehampton Lifeboats look on.

RNLI/Anthony Fogg

Participants in the water as Littlehampton Lifeboats look on.
Participants laugh together whilst in the water.

RNLI/Beth Brooks

Participants laugh together whilst in the water.
Many participants braved braking waves whilst in the water.

RNLI/Beth Brooks

Many participants braved braking waves whilst in the water.

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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