RNLI Aberdeen invites community to take part in Mayday Mile event
RNLI Aberdeen is inviting the local community to take part in a fun and inclusive Mayday Mile event on Aberdeen beach this month, as part of the charity’s national Mayday fundraising campaign.
The event will take place on Saturday 16 May between 10am and 2pm, with participants encouraged to complete a mile along the beach in any way they choose - whether walking, running, cycling, dancing or even paddleboarding.
The Mayday Mile is part of the RNLI’s annual Mayday campaign, which calls on supporters to cover a mile a day throughout May while raising funds for the charity’s lifesaving work.
Across the UK, Ireland and the Channel Islands, RNLI lifeboat volunteer crews helped 8,290 people and saved 272 lives in 2025, launching more than 9,000 times in what was the sixth-busiest year in the charity’s history.
The Aberdeen event will take place along a stretch of beach between the Scot Surf trailer and the beach tunnel at Accommodation Road, where participants can complete their mile at any point during the event.
Visitors on the day will be able to meet RNLI volunteers, see mascot Stormy Stan, and enjoy a relaxed, community atmosphere. There may also be the chance to spot Aberdeen’s lifeboat out on the water.
Families are especially encouraged to come along, with activities for children including a Yellow Welly Trail challenge and an RNLI-themed quiz, with entry costing £1 per sheet. Participants are also invited to wear yellow and get creative to show their support.
Ailsa Macintyre, volunteer event organiser, Aberdeen RNLI, said:
‘Each year we see how quickly things can change on the water. Our volunteer crews are always ready to respond, but we can only do what we do thanks to the public’s generosity.'
‘This May, we’re asking people in Aberdeen to step up and support us through the Mayday Mile so we can keep saving lives at sea.'
Donations can be made on the day via RNLI volunteers. Supporters can also fundraise in advance or donate via the RNLI website.
To sign up for the Mayday Mile, visit https://fundraise.rnli.org/fundraisers/aberdeenlifeboatstation
Notes to Editor
Image 1 – Mayday Mile image 1
Photo credit: RNLI
Image 2 - Mayday Mile image 2
Photo credit: RNLI
Aberdeen lifeboat station has been operating since 1802. To learn more about the lifeboat station visit https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeboat-stations/aberdeen-lifeboat-station
Aberdeen lifeboat station operates a Severn class all-weather lifeboat, Bon Accord, and D class inshore lifeboat, Buoy Woody 85N.
RNLI Media Contacts
For further information, please contact:
Lesley McMullan, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for RNLI Scotland, [email protected]
Richard Smith, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for Scotland, 07826 900639, [email protected]
Martin Macnamara, RNLI Regional Communications Lead for Scotland, 07920 365929, [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.