Answer the Mayday Call – Meet the RNLI in York

Fundraising is vital to the RNLI’s lifesaving work. As a charity that depends entirely on public donations, events like this help ensure that RNLI crews have the training, equipment, and support they need to continue saving lives at sea, every single day.

Families, shoppers, and visitors can also enjoy a special guest appearance by Stormy Stan, the RNLI’s much-loved mascot, who will be on hand for photos and to share important safety messages with younger visitors.

This is also a fantastic opportunity to meet local RNLI water safety volunteers and pick up essential water safety tips and advice. Visitors can learn how to keep themselves and their loved one’s safe at the coast and in the water. Heading to the coast or out on the water is a way to enjoy the outdoors, but it’s easier than many realise to get into trouble.

Alan Marsden, RNLI Water Safety Advisor, said: ‘We are excited to bring the RNLI to the heart of York and would love people to come along, meet the team, and show their support. Our volunteers will be there to share water safety tips that are simple but could save your life or the life of a loved one. Float to Live is such an important message — just stopping for a quick chat could help you stay safe at the coast or on inland waters like the River Ouse.’

Make sure to visit the RNLI in York City Centre on 16 and 17 May – come and say hello, grab a photo with Stormy Stan, and discover how you can help save lives at sea.

For more information on Mayday visit RNLI.org/Mayday.

Notes to Editor

For more information on becoming a volunteer, Visit Volunteering Opportunities: Find RNLI Volunteer Vacancies Near You

Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) has released its rescue figures for 2024, revealing its lifeboat crews and lifeguards saved a total of 437 lives last year – more than one life saved for every day of the year.

 RNLI lifeboats launched 9,141 times in 2024 and helped 17,068 people.

The charity’s lifeboat crews and beach lifeguards saved a total of 437 lives last year*

RNLI data – captured between January and December 2024 – highlights the continuing high demand for the services of volunteer lifeboat crews, with 9,141 lifeboat launches over the course of the year, and 17,068 people helped out of dangerous situations at the coast. RNLI lifeboat crews saved the lives of 352 people over the course of 2024, whilst the charity’s lifeguards saved 85 lives on beaches around the UK, assisting over 17,000 more.

For more information on the RNLI please visit rnli.org. News releases and other media resources, including RSS feeds, downloadable photos and video, are available at the RNLI News Centre rnli.org/news-and-media.

RNLI Media contacts

Jess Curtis, RNLI and Regional Engagements North and East, Lifeboat Press Officer at Wells: Tel 07483488243 Email: [email protected] contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.