Bridlington RNLI Volunteers Paddle to Success at York Dragon Boat Challenge

The annual York Rotary Dragon Boat Challenge, which has been held since 2003, took place on Sunday 12 July 2026. Over the years, the event has helped raise approximately £1.7 million for a wide-range of local charities.

This year, 36 teams competed between Scarborough Bridge and Lendal Bridge, battling it out for the coveted Challenge Trophy and a number of other awards, including trophies for the fastest Charity Team, the fastest Commercial Organisation Team and the ever-popular Best Dressed Team.

Representing Bridlington RNLI, the ‘Bridlington Boat Bandits’ arrived in York in high spirits following England's emphatic World Cup victory over Norway the previous evening, and carried that winning momentum onto the River Ouse, producing a series of impressive performances throughout the day.

The ‘Bridlington Boat Bandits’ crew put in an outstanding performance throughout the day. The team battled their way through the heats and into the final, while also recording the fastest time of the entire event with an impressive run of 1 minute 18.25 seconds, earning them a prestigious trophy.

Team Captain, AJ Shephard, said: ‘What a fantastic day for everyone involved. The whole team gave it their all and we're incredibly proud to have reached the final and recorded the fastest time of the day. While it was great fun competing against so many teams, the real winner is the incredible amount of money raised for local charities. We'd like to thank everyone who supported and sponsored us, and York Rotary Club for organising such a fantastic event.’

The Bridlington RNLI volunteers were joined by supporters throughout the day, helping to raise funds for both local charitable causes and the RNLI’s lifesaving work.

Team Bridlington Boat Bandits can still be sponsored via the Rotary Club of York Charity Fund website through the following link: Rotary Club of York Charity Fund: Bridlington Boat Bandits

Notes to editors.

The York Rotary Dragon Boat Challenge has been raising funds for charities across Yorkshire since 2003 and has generated approximately £1.7 million for good causes during that time. The event sees teams from charities, community groups and businesses compete in traditional dragon boats along a stretch of the River Ouse in York.

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Richard Grange, RNLI Regional Communications Lead for North East and East England, 07483 112015, [email protected]

RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789, [email protected]

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