Happisburgh goes Commando
Friday 24 January 2025 saw a large group of ex-Royal Marines and others gather at Happisburgh RNLI Lifeboat Station as part of the Cold Dip Commando national challenge.
The station's Lifeboat Operations Manager, Racheal Kirkham took part in the event to support the ex-Marines as she served in the Royal Navy.
The event was inspired by the late Tim Crossin who joined Her Majesty’s Royal Marine Commandos in 1980 at the age of 16. He was deployed around the world in many roles and places. After leaving the Marines and a period spent as a personal trainer, Tim went overseas again working as a bodyguard for the British Foreign Office in Iraq. Further close protection jobs took him around Iraq, then to Afghanistan, Africa, the US and Europe protecting politicians, diplomats, and sporting stars/celebrities.
The challenge Tim set is to complete a cold water dip or swim every day in January 2025 going clockwise around the coast of the UK, starting and finishing at his local beach in Poole close to the RNLI support centre. Tim inspired countless people with his courage, resilience, and unwavering positivity, regardless of the challenges he faced.
Happisburgh Lifeboat Station is proud to be associated with this event and would like to wish the team well as they continue their journey around the coast.
For information and safety advice about cold water swimming and dips, please visit: https://rnli.org/safety/choose-your-activity/open-water-swimming/what-are-the-benefits-of-cold-water-swimming
RNLI Media contacts
Happisburgh Lifeboat Station Volunteer Press Officer Philip Smith
Phone 07766007936 E-mail [email protected]
Notes to Editors
To find out more about the RNLI or, if you are interested in joining the Happisburgh RNLI team, details can be found at: www.rnli.org/happisburgh-lifeboat-station
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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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.