Barry Dock RNLI and Penarth RNLI kayak carry success

Organised by Cardiff British Sub-Aqua Club (BSAC), the challenge saw participants carry a kayak on foot along the coastline, arriving at Barry Dock RNLI station before continuing across Jackson’s Bay and along the Eastern Prom to the RNLI Shop and Visitor Experience at Barry Island.

As the group reached the final stretch along the prom, they were met by a huge crowd of supporters. HM Coastguard provided a special escort, helping to ensure safety along the route, while Pukka Productions brought the final leg to life, dancing the group all the way to the finish line.

The event formed part of Barry Dock RNLI’s 125th anniversary year, with a series of activities planned throughout 2026 to mark this milestone and celebrate the station’s long-standing service to the local community.

Olivia Harrison, Chair of Barry Dock RNLI said:

‘This was an incredible effort from everyone involved. Carrying a kayak over 10 miles is no small challenge, and to see the level of support from the community at the finish made it even more special. We’re hugely grateful to everyone who took part and helped create such a brilliant atmosphere.’

At the RNLI Shop and Visitor Experience, participants were welcomed with live music from Perfect Pitch Choir, alongside stalls and family activities. The day continued with an afternoon music event at Barry Athletic Bowls Club, featuring performances from Women in Harmony and Voice Male, as well as Barry Ukulele Strummers.

RNLI volunteers from Barry Dock also joined sections of the walk, showing their support and highlighting the strong connection between the lifeboat station and the local community.

Funds raised from the event will go towards supporting the RNLI’s lifesaving work around the coast in the Vale of Glamorgan and split between Penarth and Barry RNLI lifeboat stations.

The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. Its volunteer lifeboat crews provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the UK and Ireland coasts, while seasonal lifeguards patrol busy beaches.

Ends

Notes to Editors

• Barry Dock RNLI lifeboat station is marking its 125th anniversary in 2026, celebrating more than a century of lifesaving service
• The station operates both an all-weather lifeboat and an inshore lifeboat, launching to a wide range of incidents in the Bristol Channel
• The RNLI Shop and Visitor Experience at Barry Island helps share vital water safety advice with the public, alongside supporting fundraising for the charity
• For more information, visit rnli.org

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RNLI Media Contacts

For further information, please contact:

Lisa Newberry, Lifeboat Press Officer, Barry Dock Lifeboat Station, 07977 922889.

Alternatively you can contact Claire Fitzpatrick-Smith, Regional Communications Manager on [email protected] or 07977 728315, or contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.

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.

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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.