Happisburgh RNLI volunteers helping the community in many ways

On the 16 June, George Reddell one of the station's boat crew, successfully passed out as a navigator. His pass out started with a written paper and then the practical at sea which he passed with flying colours.

George said: ‘I’m proud to have passed, I would like to thank the whole station for their encouragement and help, not forgetting my family who allowed me the time and space to do the training.'

Then on 24 June, Jon Davenport and his mate Charlie did a run called the Bob Graham in the Lakes, raising funds for the lifeboat station, They were running 106km across 42 peaks in the Lake District.

Charlie made it with just 3½ minutes to spare! It was an absolute nail-biter right to the finish, and he sends his thanks and appreciation to all at the station for their support. An unbelievable effort on what turned out to be an astonishingly hot day.

Jon said: ’Sadly, my day ended a little differently. I took a couple of falls during the night and twisted my knee at around the 40km mark. I told Charlie to push on while I dropped back. I kept going for another 25km, but after about 17 hours on the hills I had to call it and make my way off the mountain. I’m disappointed not to have finished, but seeing Charlie complete the Bob Graham Run made it all worthwhile.

'Even better, when I last checked, the fundraiser had passed £1,000 for our station, which I’m absolutely chuffed about’.

They are still raising money if you would like to help go to: https://www.gofundme.com/f/raise-money-for-rnli-happisburgh.

Two of the station's crew members Ellis Speirs and Tom Hunn received letters of thanks for all their hard work for the RNLI and their local community from Lord Lieutenant of Norfolk, Lady Dannatt. This was not only an unexpected surprise for them, but also gave a boost to the whole station who are so proud of these two.

Happisburgh RNLI welcomed one of the new recruits to the crew, when Rachael Kirkham the Lifeboat Operations Manager gave Liam Fairweather his pager so he’s now ready for action.

Happisburgh’s Water Safety Team has been busy this month visiting schools and going to events to get the charity's water safety messages to as many people of all ages as possible. They have engaged with over 1,370 people giving them advice on how to float, how to call for help and how cold water shock may affect them. The team’s advice for anyone struggling in the water is 'FLOAT to Live’:

Tilt your head back, with your ears submerged

Relax and try to breathe normally

Move your hands and feet to help you stay afloat

It’s fine if your legs sink, we all float differently

Practise floating in a local pool if you can

If you see someone else struggling in the water

Tell them to stay calm and FLOAT on their back

Phone 999 to get help and ask for the Coastguard

Throw rescue equipment to help them float until emergency services arrive

For more information visit RNLI.org/Float

The crew was called into action on Sunday 28 June at 2.08pm to reports of two people in trouble off the station on paddleboards. Luckily they made it to shore as the crew arrived; they were well and needed no aid. If you see people in what you think is trouble then call 999 and ask for the Coastguard; we are always there to help.

If you are taking a paddleboard on the water then follow this advice, wear a Buoyancy Aid, carry a means of calling for help and keep it on you, check the weather forecast and tide times, get some training, paddle within your ability. If you are in trouble always stay with your board. More information at: RNLI.org/freetips

Have fun but come home safe.

RNLI Media Contacts

For further information, please contact:

Philip Smith, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for Happisburgh RNLI, [email protected]

Clare Hopps, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for North East and East England, 07824 518641, [email protected]

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

RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789, [email protected]

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.