The Blackpool rescue and the power of One Crew

Subby, aged 10, and his cousin Kizza, aged 12, were trapped beneath Blackpool Pier, clinging to its supports as powerful waves broke over them. Ted remained above the water, trying to help as the tide continued to rise.

For the 11th time in just seven days, Blackpool's volunteer crew launched, reaching the scene within four minutes.

The D class crew rescued Subby and Kizza and brought them ashore to waiting paramedics, while a second crew aboard the station's Atlantic 85 rescued Ted. Thankfully, all three have made a full recovery.

What those crews did on that day back in May was nothing short of remarkable. Their courage, skill and composure saved two young lives and brought three people safely back to their families. They deserve every bit of the recognition and media coverage they have received.

It is also worth reflecting on everything that had to be in place before the pagers sounded. While the crews were at the centre of the rescue, they were not alone in making it possible. Behind every launch is an extraordinary team effort.

Alongside the shore crew who respond at a moment's notice are the trainers and assessors who help build and maintain lifesaving skills, the mechanics and engineers who keep our boats and equipment rescue-ready, and the operational teams who support our stations to deliver a safe and effective service.

There are also our fundraisers, supporters and donors whose generosity provides the boats, stations, equipment and training our lifesavers need.

Alongside them are countless people working across the RNLI whose contribution may never be visible at the scene of a shout, but whose work helps keep our lifesaving service ready.

Just as important are the families of those who respond when their pager sounds. Volunteers are only able to answer that call because someone at home accepts the interrupted meals, abandoned plans, late nights and near-constant lifeboat chat that comes with being part of the RNLI.

Our families make sacrifices too, often without recognition. Without their patience, understanding and support, we would not be anywhere near the organisation we are today.

That is One Crew in practice.

Recognising that wider contribution does not take anything away from what the Blackpool crews achieved that day. What they did was exceptional and exemplifies what the RNLI does 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

It happens every time a pager activates, whenever a lifeguard enters the water, and whenever one of our people quietly carries out the work required to keep our lifesaving service ready. 

Not every launch will be captured on camera – although we wish it could – or followed by an emotional reunion, but every single one depends on the same collective commitment from our volunteers, staff, supporters and partners.

The reunion between the family and the volunteers who rescued the children brought that impact powerfully to life. In their recent media interviews, Zully, Subby's mother and Kizza's aunt, have described how the RNLI had not only saved the children, but saved their family.

It is difficult to put it more clearly than that.

The response to the story also demonstrates why sharing these moments matters. 

Shortly after all the media coverage, an envelope containing a £500 donation arrived through the station door. 

We cannot say with certainty what prompted it, but it serves as a powerful reminder of the connection between our lifesaving work, the stories we share and the generosity that makes the next rescue possible.

Every donation, every fundraising event and every hour volunteered contributes to moments like this.

So, to the crews and everyone at Blackpool Lifeboat Station: thank you. What you did was exceptional, and you should be incredibly proud.

And to everyone who played a part in making that response possible, on the water, on shore, in water safety, training, engineering, operations, fundraising, support services, within our families and across the wider RNLI, thank you too.

Together, you helped save two young lives and bring three people safely home to their families.

This is the RNLI. This is One Crew, and it is happening every hour of every day, right across our coasts.

Sam Holliday - Head of Region