RNLI host the Monaco Impis and Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation

This visit builds on a successful trip the Monaco Impis and PCMF made to Queensferry RNLI Lifeboat Station in April 2023, ahead of the Melrose 7’s tournament, last year.

The Monaco Impis were accompanied by representatives from the PCMF, including General Secretary, Gareth Wittstock, who is also the Honorary President of the Monaco Rugby Federation, and Pascal Granero, Director General of the Foundation.

The day began at Berwickshire High School, Duns, where the Monaco Impis and local schoolchildren received a water safety demonstration from Scotland’s Water Safety Lead, Michael Avril, where they practised their ‘Float to Live’ and using the throw line.

After the session, Monaco Impis and local school children took the time for some training, before having the opportunity to play rugby together.

After lunch at Giacopazzi’s in Eyemouth, the Monaco Impis and the PCMF were invited to visit Eyemouth RNLI lifeboat station to meet with crew and see the lifeboat.

George Davidson, Lifeboat Operations Manager at Eyemouth RNLI Lifeboat Station discussed the station’s vast history, and their work today to help save lives at sea.

Coxswain, Andrew Jamieson, and Area Lifesaving Manager, Mike Garfitt, also updated the rugby team on the charity’s lifesaving work in the local area.

Gemma May, Senior International Advocacy Manager, shared awareness of the work of the RNLI’s International Team on global drowning prevention and explained the importance of World Drowning Prevention Day (25 July).

This visit also recognised and amplified awareness of Monaco’s support to this work through long-term financial support from the Princess Charlene of Monaco

Foundation particularly to drowning prevention projects in Bangladesh and Tanzania.

Finally, the Monaco Impis and PCMF were given a tour of the station and watched a Shannon lifeboat demonstration.

Neil Smith, International Programme Funding Manager, said:

‘Today we are thrilled to showcase the lifesaving work of the RNLI in Scotland and talk about global drowning prevention efforts that we partner with the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation to deliver. This is particularly special in the RNLI’s 200th anniversary year.’

Notes to editors

Eyemouth lifeboat station has been operating since 1876. To learn more about the lifeboat station go to: https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeboat-stations/eyemouth-lifeboat-station

RNLI Media Contacts

Jaye Mackay RNLI Media Engagement - Placement for Scotland, 07929 673286, [email protected]

Natasha Bennett, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for Scotland, 07826 900639, [email protected]

Martin Macnamara, RNLI Regional Communications Lead for Scotland, 07920 365929, [email protected]

RNLI Press Office, 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.

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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.