Blackpool RNLI seeks support as part of charity's annual Christmas Appeal
The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) is launching its annual Christmas fundraising appeal and at Blackpool there is a focus on both the brave crews who've volunteered their time and commitment 24/7, 365 days a year, and the support they receive to ensure their lifesaving work continues.
With the welcome news that visitors to Blackpool have exceeded 20 million this year, Blackpool RNLI volunteers continue to be one of the RNLI's busiest stations with over 150 callouts this year, reflecting a continuing increase in service requests.
This service is ably supported by the volunteer shore crew and launch authorities, as Blackpool RNLI heads into 2024 getting ready to celebrate the charity's 200-year anniversary (4 March), and 160 years in Blackpool of saving lives at sea. Volunteer crews will continue to be available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, through the Christmas and New Year period.
The RNLI is a charity funded entirely by kind donations and one of the jewels in the Blackpool RNLI crown for fundraising is the visitor centre and shop located with the lifeboat station on the Promenade. Consistently one of the best performing shops in the RNLI, this year we are also appealing for more shop volunteers.
Being an RNLI shop volunteer is a rewarding role, and more volunteers are needed to support the shop opening seven days a week throughout the year. Anyone interested in this opportunity to join Blackpool RNLI, you are welcome to contact the shop on 01253 290816 or pop in to discuss further with the friendly team. The shop is open Monday to Saturday 10am–5pm, and Sunday 11am–4pm.
Alternatively, you can connect with the RNLI on volunteering opportunities by visiting the RNLI website at Become an RNLI Volunteer - Be Part of a Lifesaving Tradition.
Colin Lowe, experienced Volunteer Helm with Blackpool RNLI said: ‘There’s no feeling quite like bringing someone home safe to their families. But as volunteer lifeboat crew we couldn’t launch without the support and kind donations from the public that fund our kit, training and equipment we need to save others. This also allows us to come home safely to our own families. We really do appreciate all the support that we receive.’
To make a donation to the RNLI’s Christmas Appeal, and enable the charity to continue its lifesaving work, visit: RNLI.org/WinterAppeal.
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.