RNLI lifeguards and lifeboat crew to keep Boat Race spectators safe this Easter

With more than 250,000 spectators expected to gather along the banks of the River Thames, the annual four-mile Championship course from Putney to Mortlake will see RNLI beach lifeguards and RNLI lifeboat crews on the water to help keep the public safe.

Two E class lifeboats from Chiswick RNLI Lifeboat Station and five Arancias - inshore rescue boats used by the charity’s lifeguards - will be on the river throughout the duration of the races.

RNLI lifeguards will also be engaging with spectators on the banks of the river, sharing vital safety information and working to prevent members of the public from accidentally entering the water. Since launching in 2001, the RNLI’s lifeguard service has provided critical support to coastal communities and their visitors delivering world class lifesaving. This year marks 25 years of their service.

Ed Stevens, Regional Lifeguard Lead, said: ‘Our lifeguards have been training incredibly hard in preparation for this year’s event and we’re looking forward to working with our volunteer lifeboat crew and engaging with spectators along the Thames to make sure everyone enjoys their day and gets home safely.

‘We want everyone to have a fantastic time watching the race, but it’s important to do so safely. We’re urging everyone to stay out the water, keep an eye on young children and to pay close attention to the surroundings, including any local hazard signs.

‘While our lifeguards are usually found on beaches, much of their work is preventative, and that’s exactly what we’ll be focusing on during the event – offering timely advice, monitoring conditions and stepping in early if we spot potential risks.’

Chiswick RNLI lifeboat station has been leading the organisation’s involvement on the Boat Races along with partners from London’s emergency services for 24 years. Chiswick RNLI is the second busiest station in the UK and Ireland, having launched 45 times this year so far and a total of 5,524 times since January 2002.

Andy Mayo, Station Manager at Chiswick RNLI, said: ‘The RNLI plays a vital role on the River Thames and with around 36 volunteer crew and lifeguards on duty, the RNLI ensures comprehensive safety cover not just for the Athletes but for the thousands of spectators lining the route on the riverbank.

‘The logistics of arranging the cover has been a mammoth task but now as the race approaches, our crews are eagerly looking forward to delivering a safe and successful event.

‘The key message for anyone coming to watch the event is: Enjoy the day, stay safe and be aware of the fast-incoming tide. If you do see someone in danger, call 999 or 112 and ask for the coastguard.’

-ENDS-

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For more information please, please contact Kate Barkley, Communications Placement – South East on [email protected].

Alternatively, please contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789 or [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. The RNLI operates over 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and around 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.

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.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, TikTok 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.