RNLI calls on tourism industry to spread Holy Island safety message

There have been more than 50 emergency call outs to motorists stuck on or by the Holy Island causeway in the last five years and numbers are increasing. Most are holidaymakers or visitors from outside the county who may not be aware that the rising tide cuts off access to and from the island twice a day.

Now, working with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency and Northumberland County Council, the RNLI has produced a range of products including posters, coffee cup wraps, coasters and bags, all bearing the RNLI’s safety messages and links to tide time information.

Tomorrow (Thursday), the RNLI will be on Holy Island to hand out free packs containing all its products to tourism businesses including hotels, restaurants pubs and tourist attractions both on and off the island.

Media invitation:

When: Thursday 1 August, 10am

Where: Pilgrims Coffee, Marygate, The Holy Island of Lindisfarne TD15 2SJ

What: Coffee and cake, followed by an opportunity to photograph/film the safety information products in use, and interviews with representatives from the RNLI, HM Coastguard and tourism businesses. ***The last safe crossing following this media invitation is at 12.50pm***

Businesses unable to attend on the day can order their free pack by emailing [email protected]

Michael Avril, Community Safety Partner with the RNLI, said:

‘Holy Island is a wonderful place to visit, full of history and natural beauty. But for those not aware, the tidal causeway can present a danger. All too often motorists are caught out, meaning time-consuming and costly call-outs for the Coastguard and the RNLI’s lifeboat crews.

‘Tourists are the most likely to get caught out. That’s why we need the help of local businesses where those tourists visit, stay and eat.’

RNLI Picture captions

Holly and Hannah Bass from Berwick upon Tweed Lifeboat Station show off some of the safety information products. Credit: RNLI.

Hannah Bass from Berwick upon Tweed Lifeboat Station with a coffee cup wrap bearing the RNLI’s safety information. Credit: RNLI.

RNLI Media contacts

For more information, please contact:

Jim Rice, RNLI Regional Media Manager, on 07810 658072 / [email protected] or:

Clare Hopps, RNLI Regional Media Officer, on 07824 518641 / [email protected]

or contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI charity 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 142,700 lives.

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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.