Olympic champion visits RNLI ahead of University Boat Race

James, 51, who won gold medals at two Olympics, six world championships, and also won with Cambridge in 2019 as the oldest ever competitor in the Boat Race, was welcomed today (March 28) at Chiswick RNLI as the crew prepare to keep people safe during this year’s event against Oxford.

James said: ‘It was great to get on the water today with the crew at Chiswick RNLI, it was far easier going down the Championship course on a lifeboat than rowing it.

‘The lifeboat crew are ready to respond at a moment’s notice 24/7 and I hope this year’s race goes without them needing too much involvement.’

With thousands of people expected to gather on the banks of the River Thames in London along the four-mile course, RNLI lifeguards and volunteer lifeboat crews will be on the water on eight rescue craft.

But it’s not just the spectators they are keeping safe. In last year’s men’s race, as the rowers crossed the finish line, one of the Oxford team became unresponsive and required medical assistance. Chiswick’s crew were quickly on-scene taking the unresponsive rower onboard and transferring them ashore for further medical care.

With the race taking place on the tidal part of the Thames, RNLI crews have often assisted those cut off by the tide back to a safe location. On race day in 2015, lifeboats assisted in evacuating more than 50 people cut off along the foreshore at Hammersmith.

Chiswick RNLI Station Manager, Wayne Bellamy said: ‘Our advice to those coming to enjoy the day is to be aware of your surroundings, as slips trips and falls can happen easily, and keep children close by when near the water’s edge.

‘If you do fall into the water unexpectedly, remember to float to live. Keep calm and try not to panic, lean back extending your arms and legs to keep your airway clear of the water and if you need to, gently move your arms and legs in a gentle motion to help you float. Once you have your breathing under control then consider swimming to a point of safety.

‘If you do see anyone in trouble, dial 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard and if you can, try and give a location as this will help rescue services get to those in difficulty quicker.’

This year, the RNLI celebrates its 200^th birthday and during that time has saved more than 146,000 lives. RNLI lifeboats have been operating on the River Thames since 2002 and during that time have launched 18,544 times, aided 6,184 people and saved 680 lives.

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.