Lifeboat crews and lifeguards around the UK and Ireland saved more than a person a day from drowning in 2021, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) has said.
The charity saved 408 people last year, an increase of 59 on 2020. Lifeboats were launched 8,868 times, and crews helped a total of 12,903 people – the equivalent of 35 a day.
The RNLI is launching its Mayday Mile campaign, encouraging people to complete a mile’s walk or run in May to raise funds for the charity. RNLI lifeboat crew members will complete the first mile on Southend pier, wearing their uniforms.
Pete Emmett, the charity’s head of engagement, said: “The RNLI has been saving lives at sea for almost 200 years. We’ve seen a significant increase in the number of people around the UK and Ireland needing our help over the last year, and we are so proud that our brave lifesavers have been there to save them. But running a 24/7 lifesaving emergency service is expensive and costs are rising, which is why we’re calling on people to support our lifesavers.
“Every Mayday Mile completed will help give our lifesavers everything they need to continue to keep people safe this summer and beyond. It’s so easy to get involved and to have fun whilst saving lives – last year we saw miles covered on climbing walls, space hoppers, paddleboards and wearing wellies filled with baked beans. We hope to see many more people take up the fundraising challenge this year.”
In January the RNLI said it was on course for its highest annual fundraising total in its history, after a rise in public support in response to rightwing attacks the charity faced for saving the lives of asylum seekers crossing the Channel.
It raised more than £200,000 in a single day after hitting back at criticisms such as Nigel Farage’s claim that it was a “migrant taxi service”.
