
Dozens Dip in support of Littlehampton RNLI
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.
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]
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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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