Generations of lifesavers on call this Christmas at Flint RNLI
Flint RNLI lifeboat crew and father and daughter duo, Erin and Peter, are just one of the multi-generational families who volunteer their time and commitment to ensure the charity’s lifesaving service has continued for nearly 200 years, as the charity launches its annual Christmas Appeal.
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. For the Brown family from Flint, these stories often involve saving lives at sea.
Erin Brown (18) received her pager earlier this year after completing her initial training, keen to follow the family tradition. Her dad, Peter has been a volunteer crew member and driver at Flint Lifeboat Station for 8 years. He too followed the path set by his father, Peter Brown, who volunteered for Flint Rescue Boat and continued his service when the RNLI took over in 1966.
Erin Brown said: ‘I always knew I wanted to be the next generation of the Brown family to join the crew, I grew up hearing stories of the RNLI and supporting during fundraising events.
‘This is my Christmas on call, and should the call arise over the Christmas period, my dad and I are prepared to set aside the festive celebrations.
‘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.’
As 2023 draws to a close, next year is set to be a big year for the lifesaving charity as it prepares to mark it’s 200th anniversary on 4 March 2024. It’s stories like Erin following in the footsteps of her father and grandfather that we hope will inspire the next generation of lifesavers.
Erin added: ‘You feel a part of something bigger when you join the RNLI, people coming together to help save others.
‘Next year is an exciting moment in our history and it’s amazing to look back just a couple of generations, to when my grandad was volunteering for Flint Rescue Boat, and see how far we’ve come with all the developments in lifesaving equipment, training and knowledge.
‘I hope other people are inspired by what we do and how they can help support the RNLI so we can continue to save lives for the next 200 years.’
To make a donation to the RNLI’s Christmas Appeal, and enable the charity to continue its lifesaving work, visit: RNLI.org/WinterAppeal.
To find out more about the RNLI’s 200th anniversary, please visit RNLI.org/200 for more information.
ENDS
*’Christmas period’ refers to 24 – 31 December inclusive
RNLI media contacts
For more information please contact Carly McCarthy and Aby Norwood Flint RNLI Volunteer Press Officers, at [email protected] or [email protected], or you can contact Claire Fitzpatrick-Smith, RNLI Regional Communications Manager, on [email protected] or 07977 728 315.
Alternatively you can contact the RNLI Press Office on [email protected] or 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.
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.