Cromer RNLI celebrates the 200th anniversary of the RNLI

Here are just a few of the events, and more will take place over the year to commemorate the charity's remarkable past, celebrate its lifesaving achievements today, and inspire a future of lifesavers.

On 3 March there will be a commemorative launch of Cromer’s all-weather lifeboat Lester. This special launch to celebrate the 200 years of lifesaving work will include a dedication written by one of the volunteers, and read by one the crew prior to the launch. Members of the public are invited to watch from the public gallery.

Members of the public are invited to join lifesaving RNLI crews, fundraising volunteers and their families for a special bicentenary Evensong service at Norwich Cathedral to commemorate 200 years of saving lives at sea. The service, on 17 March 2024 takes place from 3.30pm.

On Sunday 4 August the annual lifeboat day will take place with lifeboat demonstrations, music and stalls and more.

Richard Annis, Cromer RNLI volunteer Chairman said: ‘This is a very unique and exciting year for Cromer RNLI; we have an incredible history of lifesavers at the station including Henry Blogg who is the most decorated crew member in the RNLI’s history.

'Our RNLI 200 events will pay tribute to all our incredible volunteers across the whole Cromer RNLI family past and present — for all that they have done and continue to do. Additionally our lifesaving work is only made possible as a result of those who so generously donate and support us. We want to take the opportunity and our events to recognise and thank all of those who support us.'

Full details, including timings will be on the Cromer RNLI Facebook page.

RNLI Media contacts

For more information please contact Clare Stagg, RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer: [email protected]

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.