New data reveals 42 launches last year for Manx lifeboats as RNLI issues Mayday

The charity is now putting out its own Mayday call as it faces yet another busy summer. With high numbers of visitors expected as people continue to choose to holiday closer to home, more funds are needed to ensure the lifesaving service is able to keep everyone safe.

Port St Mary was the busiest station on the island launching 12 times. Whilst volunteer crews from Douglas and Peel both launched 10 times in 2022, over half of those launches were in darkness. Ramsey launched eight times and Port Erin lifeboat launched twice. In comparison, across the island, lifeboats launched 48 times in 2021.

With demand for its lifesaving services at a high, the charity is putting out its own ‘Mayday’ call, urging the public to take part in the Mayday Mile – taking on the challenge of covering a mile a day for the month of May. All money raised will help to provide the vital training and equipment that is needed to keep its lifesavers safe, while they risk their own lives to save others.

Faye Maher, RNLI Regional Engagement Lead for Wales, the West and the Isle of Man said: ‘‘Summer is our busiest time of year, with thousands of people at risk of getting into danger by the water. Ordinary people just enjoying days out with family or friends.

‘Mayday is our own call for help, as we rely on the generosity of the public to take part in events like the Mayday Mile and raise the funds that allow us to be there when we’re needed most. But we need to be ready. Training, kit, stations, fuel … these are just some of the things we need to save lives, and that your fundraising can help provide.’

Whether you choose to walk, jog, hop or skip, the Mayday Mile challenges you to cover one mile in any way you like every day in May, whilst raising vital funds for RNLI lifesavers so that they can continue to keep people safe at sea.

Ms Maher added: ‘It’s clear from these new figures that demand for our services is continuing to rise, with our lifesavers dropping everything to run to the lifeboat station when the call comes. Every penny raised during Mayday will go towards ensuring we are ready to save even more lives this year.’

To sign up for the Mayday Mile, or to make a donation in support of the RNLI’s lifesavers, visit RNLI.org/supportMayday

ENDS

*In 2021, RNLI lifeboats launched 8,868 times.

RNLI media contacts

For more information please telephone Danielle Rush, Regional Media Manager on 07786 668829 or Claire Elshaw, Regional Media Officer on 07468353082. Alternatively, contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.