Spotlight on RNLI Manx heritage in new 200th anniversary collaboration
The RNLI and Visit Isle of Man have teamed up to highlight the rich nautical heritage of the island, as the lifesaving charity which was founded in the Isle of Man gears up to celebrate 200 years of saving lives at sea.
Last night representatives of the Visitor Economy came together at the Manx Museum to learn about promotional plans and events in the pipeline to celebrate the RNLI’s 200th year in 2024.
As part of the exciting plans, a new leaflet including a map and trail has been created pinpointing significant sites across the island, the birthplace of the RNLI, where visitors can explore the lifesaving charity’s proud heritage. The leaflet will be available to accommodation providers, at visitor information centres, the Sea Terminal and Isle of Man Airport.
Allen Corlett, Chairman of the 200th Anniversary Isle of Man Panel and Lifeboat Operations Manager for Peel Lifeboat, says:
‘We are thrilled to be collaborating with Visit Isle of Man to celebrate the significance of the Isle of Man in the RNLI’s history. Sir William Hillary’s vision for a service dedicated to saving lives at sea became a reality in March 1824. Now nearly 200 years later, the commitment of RNLI lifesavers continues, assisted by a community of generous supporters.
‘The RNLI 200 Showcase Evening where we presented our exciting plans was very well received.
‘We are grateful to have had the opportunity to let local businesses and organisations know how they can be part of our celebrations and to enable them to work with us and Visit Isle of Man to share the RNLI's 200th year with their guests, visitors and friends. We hope people will be inspired by our plans, promotional materials and events to continue their support for the RNLI.’
A map proof was unveiled which showcases some of the significant sites in the island, including the five RNLI Lifeboat Stations at Douglas, Ramsey, Peel, Port St Mary and Port Erin.
The map will also show other locations relevant to the story of the RNLI in the Isle of Man, such as the resting place of Sir William Hillary, the bronze sculpture paying tribute to the bravery of lifeboat crews in Douglas’ Sunken Garden, a plaque commemorating the loss of
HMS Racehorse and the House of Manannan which will host a special RNLI exhibition in 2024. As an incentive to visit all sites along the RNLI trail, each location will also host a QR code for more information.
Notes to Editor:
- Find out more about the RNLI’s bicentenary at RNLI.org/200.
- Launch into a podcast like no other: the RNLI’s 200 Voices releases a new episode daily, exploring captivating stories from the charity’s history and through to the current day, wherever you get your podcasts or at RNLI.org/200Voices.
RNLI media contacts
For further information, please contact Claire Fitzpatrick-Smith, RNLI Regional Media Officer, on [email protected] or 07977 728 315, or Carol Hunter, RNLI Peel Lifeboat Press Officer on [email protected] or 07624 461 213.
Alternatively you can contact the RNLI Press Office on [email protected] or 01202 336 789.
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.