RNLI lifesavers from Seahouses prepare to answer the call this Christmas
The RNLI has launched a festive fundraising appeal, as its volunteer lifeboat crews selflessly prepare to spend their Christmas on call.
On average, RNLI lifeboats launch over 100 times during the Christmas period every year, with 119 launches in 2024.
Whatever weather winter throws at them, RNLI crews are ready to leave their celebrations with friends and family to battle the elements and save lives at sea.
Just one of the thousands of crew members/crews preparing for a Christmas on call is Ollie Whelan from Seahouses.
Ollie said: “There’s no feeling quite like bringing someone home safe to their families – especially at Christmas. Even at this time of year, people still get in trouble in the water, and we’re all prepared to leave our own celebrations to help them.”
These rescues, and others all year round, are only made possible by the RNLI’s generous supporters, helping to fund the essential kit, training and equipment needed to keep crews prepared and protected.
"As volunteer lifeboat crew we couldn’t launch without kind donations from the public which fund the kit, training and equipment we need to save others and get home safely to our own families,” said Ollie.
The RNLI operates over 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland. To make a donation to the RNLI’s Christmas Appeal, and enable the charity to continue its lifesaving work, visit: RNLI.org/WinterAppeal