Blyth RNLI celebrates historic 200-year milestone with plaque unveiling
The shores of Blyth were filled with celebration this past weekend as Blyth RNLI marked its bicentennial anniversary.
From wooden oars to jet propulsion, two centuries of maritime rescue were honoured by the local community.
The Blyth Harbour Day, a Blyth Town Council event on behalf of Blyth RNLI, saw thousands of residents, volunteers, and maritime enthusiasts gather to honour 200 years of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution’s (RNLI) presence in the town. A journey that began with wooden oars and continues today with state-of-the-art jet propulsion technology.
A central highlight of the event was the official unveiling of a commemorative plaque by the Mayor of Blyth, Councillor David Swinhoe. The plaque, situated at the lifeboat station, serves as a permanent tribute to the generations of brave volunteers who have risked their lives to keep the Northumberland coastline safe.
'Our hearts are absolutely full after an extraordinary bicentennial celebration', said a RNLI Blyth spokesperson. 'Celebrating 200 years of maritime rescue wouldn't have been the same without the incredible wave of love and support from our local community. We truly are lucky to call Blyth home.'
The event was a collaborative community effort, supported heavily by the Blyth Ladies Guild and Newcastle University. Local vendors and volunteers were described as the 'engine room' of the day, providing the logistics and energy needed to host such a significant milestone.
National media coverage from the BBC and ITV Tyne Tees captured the festivities, highlighting Blyth as one of the oldest and most storied stations in the country.
Stanis, volunteer Press Officer for Blyth RNLI, said: ‘Seeing so many smiling faces gathered to celebrate two centuries of the RNLI made this milestone feel truly historic. Every donation, including the incredible £2,137.29 raised today, helps us continue our mission to save lives at sea.’
The public is reminded that while celebrations are important, water safety remains the top priority. If you are ever in trouble or see someone else struggling in the water:
- Dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
- Do not hesitate to call, as crews are always ready to launch.
RNLI Media Contacts
For further information, please contact:
Stanis Bruski, RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer at Blyth RNLI [email protected]
Richard Grange, RNLI Regional Communications Lead for North East and East England, 07483 112015, [email protected]
Clare Hopps, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for North East and East England, 07824 518641, [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.