Generations of RNLI lifesavers on call this Christmas at Skegness RNLI
The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) is launching its annual Christmas fundraising appeal, with a focus on the generations of families who have volunteered their time and commitment 24/7, 365 days a year, to ensure the charity’s lifesaving service has continued for nearly 200 years.
On average, RNLI lifeboats launch over 100 times during the Christmas period* every year. Whatever weather winter throws at them, RNLI crews are ready to battle the elements to save lives at sea. 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 by lifeboat crews.
Christmas is a time for family and, for many, a time for sharing stories of times and generations past.
Current family connections
A long history of families have volunteered at Skegness RNLI Lifeboat Station over the years. Today, two operational family connections still exist. Father and son, Steve and Matt Jackson currently both volunteer with the lifeboat station as Head Launcher and Inshore Lifeboat Helm respectively, with Matt's young children already showing interest in joining the crew when they reach 18.
Additionally, father and son Launch Authorities Tony and Brad Johnson are also on call over the Christmas period continuing in a long line of father and sons who have volunteered for Skegness Lifeboat Station over the decades.
Trevor Holland, Head Launcher and Launch Authority still follows in his father's dedicated footsteps (Ken Holland BEM), and has volunteered with the station for many years since getting involved in the station in the 1960s as a young boy. Likewise, James Porter who's father, Brian Porter volunteered at the lifeboat station for many years alongside crew at Skegness.
A family legacy lasting two centuries
The Grunnill family has been synonymous with Skegness RNLI Lifeboat Station since 1831, with their legacy continuing today through the current Shannon class lifeboat's name, the Joel and April Grunnill. The lineage of service began with William Grunnill, the station's 2nd Coxswain from 1831 to 1871, who earned a Silver Medal for Gallantry in 1938. Following him, various family members, including John, Thomas, Joseph, Amos, Hira, Edward, and Edwin Grunnill, served on lifeboats and vessels like the Herbert Ingram and the Ann, John and Mary.
In subsequent generations, Jabez, Henry, Charles, Francis, Alfred, Matthew, Montague, Walter, Wilf, Alan, Hedley, Percy, and Lance Grunnill continued the tradition, serving in various capacities and earning accolades, including Silver Medals from the King of Norway. Joel Grunnill MBE, representing the last of the family line, retired in 1984 after 45 years, concluding nearly 160 years of continuous service by the Grunnills. Joel, involved from a young age, became 2nd Coxswain in 1951 and participated in numerous rescues, recusing 197 people.
Joel held various accolades for his service including an RNLI Silver Badge in 2001, MBE in 2008 and RNLI Long Service Medal. After retiring, he continued supporting the RNLI and the Skegness community. The Grunnill family's unparalleled commitment and heroism have left an indelible mark on the Skegness RNLI Lifeboat Station and its community.
Brad Johnson, Lifeboat Press Officer said: ‘There’s no feeling quite like bringing someone home safe to their families – especially at Christmas. But 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.’
To make a donation to the RNLI’s Christmas Appeal, and enable the charity to continue its lifesaving work, visit: RNLI.org/WinterAppeal
*’Christmas period’ refers to 24 – 31 December inclusive
Notes to editors
- The RNLI (Royal National Lifeboat Institution) is the charity that saves lives at sea.
- Skegness RNLI is based on Tower Esplanade, Skegness. The lifeboat station was founded in 1825 and the volunteer crew use an inshore D class lifeboat The Holland Family and as well as an all-weather Shannon class lifeboat the Joel and April Grunnill.
- The charity turns 200 on 4 March 2024. For more bicentenary information visit https://rnli.org/about-us/our-history/2024/programmes
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.
Learn more about the RNLI
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.