RNLI200 Yellow Welly Trail launched to honour the Exmouth RNLI’s 15 Coxswains

Each welly along the free Welly Trail carries the name of a coxswain and a QR code linking to information about him and Exmouth RNLI at the time he served. It has been made possible by sponsorship from the local community.

Exmouth RNLI is one of the country’s oldest lifeboat stations with RNLI volunteers from the town committed 24/7 to saving lives at sea for over 200 years.

Exmouth Mayor, Olly Davey said:

‘Exmouth has a proud history of supporting RNLI over the decades, as its volunteers have responded to damaged vessels and individuals at risk of drowning as they encounter difficulties at sea.’

Exmouth RNLI volunteer Fundraising Chair, Des White said:

‘Exmouth RNLI is overwhelmed by the support we've received from all our sponsors.

The yellow welly trail is a wonderful way for residents and visitors to find out more about the contribution of the volunteer coxswains and their colleagues, who put their own lives at risk,to rescue so many people in often very challenging conditions.’

The launch party continued from Welly 1, the Tourist Information Centre 45A The Strand, Exmouth EX8 1AL, to Welly 4, Franklins, The Strand, EX8 1BR, where Keito Graham, the 13th Exmouth RNLI voluntary coxswain, (1984-1998) cut a Welly shaped cake made by Launchpad, a social enterprise training adults with learning challenges in catering and hospitality, based at Seachange in Budleigh Salterton.

Exmouth RNLI’s 13th volunteer coxswain Keito Graham said:

‘From the early days of rowing boats, to the jet powered Lifeboat today, one thing the 15 Coxswains have in common is that we’ve all been proud to lead the crews of Exmouth RNLI.’

Exmouth RNLI volunteers, Carolyn Stupples and Ian Rick, who organised the Trail said:

‘This project started nearly a year ago, in anticipation of the RNLI's Bicentenary. However, neither of us realised how much work would be involved and we would probably still be working on it without the incredible support from Garf, Wilsons Paints and TotalTee.

Now it is ready, we hope locals and visitors enjoy the walk around Exmouth, following the trail and learning something of the towns maritime past and its links to the RNLI. We look forward to meeting participants as they visit our Lifeboat Station.’

Free Welly Trail maps are available from Exmouth Lifeboat Station and from the sponsors listed below. They include a quiz, and all who complete it will be awarded a certificate and momento at Exmouth RNLI shop at the Lifeboat Station.

The trail is approximately 2.4miles(4km) It doesn't have to be done all on the same day, and there are no hills.

The wellies have been designed and painted by local street artist Garf, with paint generously donated by Wilsons Paints. The Trail Map has been designed and printed by Total Tee.

This event has been made possible by sponsorship from the local community.

The 15 Wellies have been sponsored by:

· Bar Buoy Cocktails

· Exmouth Crazy Golf

· Exmouth Indoor Market

· EX81AR Deli & Store

· Franklins

· Jurassic Kitchens (hosted by Exmouth Rowing Club)

· Mariners

· NCI Volunteer Watchkeepers (hosted by Harbour View Cafe)

· The Dolphin Hotel

· The Beach

· The Pilot

· Sea Shore Ice Creamery

· Seawood Chandlery and Clothing

· Sideshore Community

· World of Country Life (hosted by Tourist Information)

Notes to editors

RNLI media contacts

For more information please contact Alison Hogan volunteer lifeboat press officer at Exmouth Lifeboat Station on 07867 904498 or [email protected] or Emma Haines, Regional Communications Manager, on 07786 668847 or [email protected] or contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.

RNLI online

For more information, please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the RNLI News Centre.

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 over 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and, in a normal year, 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.

RNLI at 200

On 4 March 2024, the RNLI celebrates 200 years of saving lives at sea – thanks to volunteers giving their time to save others, all funded by voluntary public donations. Throughout its 200^th anniversary year, the charity is running events and activities to commemorate its history, celebrate the lifesaving service it provides today, and inspire generations of future lifesavers and supporters. For more information visit RNLI.org/200.