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Staithes and Runswick RNLI's last launch in charity’s second century

Lifeboats News Release

On 3 March 2024, the day before the charity’s 200th anniversary Staithes and Runswick RNLI’s lifeboat crew launched on exercise for what would be the last time before the charity enters its third century of operation.

RNLI/James Stoker

Staithes and Runswick RNLI volunteer lifeboat crew pose for a photograph before launching for the last time during the charity's second century.
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The crew of four posed for photographs before the boat was launched. The training exercise, mooring and berthing, took place within Staithes harbour and allowed visitors to see the Atlantic 85 lifeboat going alongside the pier and boats in the harbour; practising skills needed to save lives at sea. After the exercise was complete a lunch of pie and peas was enjoyed by crew, past and present, family, and visitors to the village alike.

Throughout the day the anniversary of the RNLI was highlighted to visitors passing the station and visiting the shop which, after the exercise had concluded, was staffed by a member of the volunteer crew – highlighting that volunteers are the lifeblood of the RNLI and have been for 200 years.

If you would like to volunteer for Staithes and Runswick RNLI as the third century of the charity is beginning then please email [email protected] there are a number of roles to consider including helping support the charity’s volunteer crews by becoming a shop volunteer.

Notes to Editor
Staithes and Runswick RNLI lifeboat has been in operation since 1978 with Atlantic B-Class inshore lifeboats (ILB’s). The present ILB at the station B-897 Sheila and Dennis Tongue III has been on station since 2016.

Today (4 March 2024) the RNLI celebrates 200 years - and counting, commemorating this remarkable past, celebrating our lifesaving achievements today, and inspiring a future where we can save every one. More information on RNLI 200 can be found at https://rnli.org/about-us/our-history/2024 there will be events throughout 2024 to commemorate the anniversary of the charity.

RNLI media contacts
For further information, please contact:
For more information please contact James Stoker, RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer at: [email protected] or Clare Hopps, Regional Communications Manager on 07824 518641 or, [email protected] or contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.

RNLI/James Stoker

Even canine visitors to the station got into the 200th anniversary spirit, here modelling one of the many 200th anniversary items available in the lifeboat shop in the village.
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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.

About the author

James Stoker
Lifeboat Press Officer, Staithes & Runswick

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