RNLI saved 349 lives last year - and is setting the public a challenge ahead of a busy summer

Tue, 27 Apr 2021

The RNLI has revealed it saved 349 lives last year - almost one life saved every day - as it urges the public to take part in a challenge to raise money ahead of an anticipated busy summer.

On the Isle of Man, RNLI lifeboats from Peel, Ramsey, Douglas, Port Erin and Port St Mary launched 25 times and aided 16 people during the year. Across the entire charity, a total of 349 lives saved by RNLI lifeboat crews and lifeguards last year.

The charity is now putting out its own Mayday call as it faces a busy summer. As more people choose to holiday closer to home, more funds are needed to ensure the lifesaving service is able to keep everyone safe.

Chris Gaskin, Area Lifesaving Manager for the Isle of Man says: ‘Despite a period of 2020 spent in lockdown on the Isle of Man, our lifesavers remained on call and ready to respond at a moment’s notice. As another summer approaches, we know that our lifesavers face more huge challenges in keeping everyone safe, which is why we’re now the ones sending out our own Mayday call and asking for help.

‘Our annual Mayday fundraising campaign is our call for your support to help keep you and your family safe at the coast this summer.’

Launching on Saturday 1 May and running for the whole of the month, the RNLI’s annual Mayday campaign asks people to sign up to support our lifesavers. This year, the charity will be calling on supporters to join the Mayday Mile and cover at least one mile in any way they like in order to raise vital funds.

Chris added: ‘Our lifesavers drop everything to run to the lifeboat station when the call comes, so we’re asking our supporters to put themselves in the crew’s boots and join the Mayday Mile. Every penny raised during Mayday will go towards ensuring we are ready to save even more lives this year.’

To sign up for the Mayday Mile, or to make a donation in support of the RNLI’s lifesavers, visit RNLI.org/supportMayday

Streaming Now

Facebook

RNLI saved 349 lives last year - and is setting the public a challenge ahead of a busy summer

More News Stories

Year 8 students to be offered HPV vaccine

Tributes paid to former Southern 100 Stalwart Jack Wood

Mayor urges business support for 'inspiring' young people

Work underway to stabilise area following landslip on Mountain Road

Be flood prepared: Free sandbags at Civic Amenity Sites

Yellow warning for coastal overtopping

Drop-in session in Jurby to give feedback on Manx health care

Appeal to near-miss crash in Port St Mary

Politician Leonard Singer passes away