250 volunteers support RNLI swims as lifeguard marks 25 year milestone

Around 250 volunteers supported the RNLI's four open water swim events in Cornwall, with teams from RNLI lifeguard units, lifeboat stations, water safety teams, local surf lifesaving clubs and local communities working together to ensure swimmers could safely enjoy some of Cornwall's most iconic coastal locations.

The events included the inaugural RNLI Mullion Island Open Water Swim, a one-mile sea swim around Mullion Island on the Lizard Peninsula, and the RNLI Around the Mount Open Water Swim, which challenged participants to complete a one-and-a-half-mile course around St Michael's Mount in Mount's Bay, and St Agnes' Buoy to Beacon Swim and Run and the Castle to Castle event.

These events attracted over 500 entrants who have between them already raised over £100,000 this year to support RNLI lifesaving services, with more sponsorship money still to come in.

Among those taking part was RNLI lifeguard Matt Trewhella, who completed both the Mullion Island and the Round the Mount swims in the fastest times. He completed both while continuing his year-long fundraising challenge to mark the 25th anniversary of the RNLI Lifeguard Service by swimming 25 miles every month for a year.

Matt, who has been an RNLI lifeguard for 13 years since joining at the age of 17, is swimming 25 miles every month for 12 months to raise funds for the South Cornwall RNLI Lifeguard Service. The money raised will help provide additional lifesaving equipment, such as rescue boards and other resources used by RNLI lifeguards on Cornwall's beaches.

So far, Matt has swum an impressive 204.8 miles, putting him well ahead of schedule.

Matt said:

'The inspiration behind the challenge is the 25th anniversary of RNLI lifeguards. It's an opportunity to celebrate lifeguards past, present and future, and their commitment to saving lives on our beaches.

'I wanted to do something that recognised the work that lifeguards do every day while also raising money for the service here in South Cornwall. Hopefully the funds raised can go towards a new rescue board or additional lifesaving equipment that will help strengthen the service in the area.

'Winning both swims was a nice bonus, but the main focus is raising awareness and support for the RNLI and the incredible work our lifeguards and volunteers carry out.'

Those wishing to support Matt's challenge can donate at: https://www.justgiving.com/page/matthew-trewhella-25milechallenge

The events also featured a memorable milestone, with Plank becoming the first assistance dog to complete the one-mile Mullion Island Open Water Swim,

RNLI Lead Lifeguard Supervisor, Adam Harris said:

'These events are a fantastic example of what can be achieved when communities come together to support the RNLI.

'Across the three swims we had around 300 volunteers giving up their time to make the events safe and successful. From RNLI lifeguards and lifeboat crews to water safety teams, shop volunteers, surf lifesaving clubs, local boat owners and supporters from the local community, every person played an important role.'

'I'd particularly like to thank volunteers Gareth and Kim, who work tirelessly behind the scenes at each event managing registration and supporting participants throughout the day.

'The atmosphere at these events was incredible and it's wonderful to see so many people getting involved, whether that's swimming, volunteering or coming along to support. Not only do these events bring communities together, they also raise vital funds that help save lives at sea.'

For those looking to take part in, the RNLI has two more swims taking place this summer. The 1 or 2 mile Clovelly swim will take place on 2 August while the 2 mile Lyme Regis Splash event will be held on 6 September.

Notes to editors:

• Link to sign up for Clovelly swim: RNLI Clovelly Swim 2026 Tickets, Sunday 2 August • 7 AM - 11 AM | Eventbrite

• Link to sign up for Lyme Splash swim: RNLI Lyme Splash Swim 2026 Tickets, Sunday 6 September • 9 AM - 2 PM | Eventbrite