Young people bring RNLI wartime stories to life through giant sand art

A striking 80m sand artwork was created on Rhyl Beach on Saturday (26 September) as part of the RNLI's Stories of Courage 1939-45 project, which is uncovering and sharing stories connected to the charity's lifesaving work during the Second World War.

The community event brought together members of St Asaph and Trefnant Girl Guides, Henllan Girl Guides, RNLI volunteers and members of the public, who worked alongside beach art specialists Sand In Your Eye to create the large-scale artwork.

Throughout the day, participants learned about the role of RNLI crews during the war, when volunteer lifeboat crews faced the dangers of bombs and gunfire alongside severe weather and challenging sea conditions. Between 1939 and 1945, RNLI crews launched 3,760 times and saved 6,376 lives.

As they helped create the artwork, the young people also explored inspiring wartime stories from the RNLI's archives, including accounts of rescued aircrew and the contribution of the pioneering 'Lady Launchers', women who helped launch and recover lifeboats even during wartime conditions.

Jamie Wardley, Artist from Sand In Your Eye, said: ‘Today we've been making a giant sand drawing to celebrate the work that the RNLI have done during the wartime years and the number of lives that they've saved, which I think is absolutely incredible.

‘It's been wonderful because while we're looking into the past, those children drawing in the sand today may need that helping hand from the RNLI in the future, and so might I. It's rewarding to feel like we’re giving back to the incredible work of the charity’s volunteers from the past, in the present and the future.’

‘We focused on the wartime years and the work that the RNLI did in the war, when crews saved 6,376 lives, which is staggering. One of the beautiful things is that even though we were in conflict, the RNLI was saving lives of allies, but also combatants as well. Really it's about humanity and that's a wonderful thing.’

Tony, a volunteer from Rhyl RNLI's Visits Team, said: ‘It's an untold chapter that not many people think about. It's not just talking about saving lives at sea, it's also the crews lost. Not just the British, it was Germans as well that were rescued, which is a perfect example that a life at sea needs to be saved, regardless of where that person has come from.

‘The event is also teaching young people about that history and hopefully they will take something away from it.’

Alongside learning about RNLI heritage, participants also learned some of the charity’s most important water safety advice from RNLI volunteers. Lesley, Rhyl RNLI Water Safety Officer, said: ‘We've taken the opportunity today to also teach some of our water safety messaging, which is important for children to learn and remember.’

The event encouraged young people to reflect on the courage and sacrifice of those involved in wartime rescues. Lola, one of the Girl Guides who took part in the activity, said: ‘A lot of them (RNLI volunteers) risked their lives to save other people and I think it's a really good thing to learn.’

Alison Hulme, RNLI Heritage Project Officer, said: ‘One of the main aims of this project is to ensure these remarkable wartime stories continue to inspire future generations. It was wonderful to see so many young people getting involved at Rhyl, learning about the courage, sacrifice and humanity shown by RNLI volunteers during the Second World War, while creating such a striking piece of artwork.

‘We know there are many more stories still to be discovered, and we would love to hear from anyone with a family connection to an RNLI rescue or volunteer service during the war so we can help preserve those memories for the future.

‘We’d also encourage people to learn more about this project and hear real wartime accounts through the RNLI's Stories of Courage podcast.’

The Rhyl event forms part of the RNLI's wider Stories of Courage 1939-45 project and is funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to National Lottery players, we are able to gather and share these memories.

Anyone with a family connection to an RNLI rescue or volunteer service during the Second World War is encouraged to share their story. Please contact [email protected] if you would like to share your story.

Notes to editors

• The sand artwork was created on Rhyl Beach by Sand In Your Eye with support from RNLI volunteers, local Girl Guide groups and members of the public.
• Participating Guide groups were St Asaph and Trefnant Guides and Henllan Guides.
• The RNLI's Stories of Courage 1939-45 project marks the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War by collecting and sharing stories connected to RNLI lifesaving during the conflict.
• Between 1939 and 1945, RNLI crews launched 3,760 times and saved 6,376 lives.
• To learn more or share a wartime RNLI story, visit: rnli.org/about-us/our-history/rnli-stories-of-courage.

RNLI Media Contacts

For more information please 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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