First Christmas on crew for Withernsea father and son

Anthony and Hayden Binns are calling on the public to support the RNLI’s lifesaving work this Christmas as they and their fellow lifeboat volunteers are ready to launch and answer a call for help.

Anthony – known to everyone on station as ‘Binhead’ – has volunteered at Withernsea since he was 17. More than two decades on, when his son Hayden turned 17 he too signed up at the station, one of hundreds of new volunteers nationwide to begin their RNLI journey since the first wave of the Covid pandemic. For some a change in working circumstances provided an opportunity to volunteer – for others like Hayden, a calling to help people provided motivation to join the charity.

Hayden says: ‘I’ve lived in Withernsea all my life, and grown up surfing and fishing off the coast here. I’ve watched my dad go out on the lifeboat since I can remember. As soon as I was old enough to volunteer I said to myself “I’d like to do that too”. Covid meant it took a while to get going, but the last few months have been brilliant. Everyone’s been so supportive – even Dad!’

With thousands of volunteers around the UK and Ireland, each RNLI crew member signs up to save every one from drowning – the charity’s mission since 1824. This Christmas many will leave loved ones behind to answer the call, each time hoping to reunite another family, and see those in trouble at sea safely returned. Over the past decade, RNLI lifeboats have launched over 1,200 times during the festive period. These rescues would not be possible without donations from the RNLI’s generous supporters, helping to fund the essential kit, training and equipment needed by lifeboat crews all year round.

Kitting out a new crew member with clothing, boots, helmet and lifejacket costs around £2,000, with a further £1,400 to provide the world class training offered to all new recruits. On station, volunteers learn everything from boat-handling, search and rescue and navigation, to radar training, radio communications and casualty care. At the RNLI College, the state-of-the-art Sea Survival Centre features a wave tank and lifeboat bridge simulator, where crews experience simulated real-life conditions including darkness, thunder, lightning and rain.

Hayden says: ‘This will be my first Christmas since completing my training. The best thing about being on the crew is knowing that the pager can go off any time and you’ll be there to help someone who needs it.

I’ll be at home with my family this Christmas, but if the pager goes I’ll be ready, just like dad. We wouldn’t be able to do it without the generosity of people donating to the RNLI.’

Anthony Binns added: ‘Hayden signed up as soon as he turned 17 – just like I did all those years ago. He’s worked so hard and taken on all his training with real determination. I’m proud to have him on the boat with me.’

‘At this time of year, the weather’s at its worst and lives can be on the line. We’re grateful to everyone who supports this year’s Christmas appeal, for helping fund the training and kit we need to answer the call when the pager goes.’

To make a donation to the RNLI’s Christmas Appeal visit: RNLI.org/Xmas

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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For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

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.