RNLI lifeboat crews in the north of England are offering seasonal sea safety advice in the hope of avoiding a repeat of last Christmas, which was one of the busiest they have ever experienced.
Last year, lifeboats in the rescue charity’s North Division launched 20 times between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day – almost double the number of launches during either of the two previous Christmases*. Nationally, since 1980, RNLI lifeboat launches over the festive period have increased by 395% from 20 call outs in 1980 to 99 in 2007.
Tony Clare, RNLI Sea Safety Manager in the north of England, said a combination of better protective clothing and equipment together with rising temperatures is probably responsible for the increase in Christmas lifeboat ‘shouts’.
He added: ‘Some people want to make the most of the holiday by taking out their boat, going for a brisk walk along the beach or maybe trying out a new wet suit or surfboard they got for Christmas. We don’t want to stop anyone having fun but we also want to remind everyone that alcohol and salt water don’t mix. If you consume alcohol in excess, your ability is bound to be impaired and this can severely endanger yourself and others on the sea.
‘We would ask anyone who plans to be at or by the sea this Christmas to follow five essential tips to keep themselves and their families safe and to help reduce the number of Christmas lifeboat rescues.’
The RNLI’s five essential sea safety tips:
· Always wear a lifejacket
· Check your boat’s engine and fuel
· Tell others where you are going
· Carry some means of calling for help
· Check the weather and tides
Each time the RNLI is called out, a dozen or more volunteers could be involved in launching, crewing and recovering the lifeboat. The 1,050 RNLI lifeboat crew members and shorehelpers in the north are all committed to saving lives at sea 24/7, whatever the time of year, and in previous years lifeboat crews have left their Christmas lunch or a New Year’s Eve party when their pagers have alerted them to an emergency at sea.
Andy Clift, RNLI Divisional Inspector, North, said he hopes members of the public will spare a thought for lifeboat volunteers this Christmas.
He said: ‘Lifeboatmen and women are a special breed. Not many people would volunteer to leave a family party or a warm bed on a freezing cold night to rescue someone they don’t know but that is what RNLI lifeboat crews do every Christmas. Their dedication means they will always respond to the call for help, whenever it comes, and I hope people will in turn support them by following our safety advice and also by remembering that the RNLI is a charity which depends on the generosity of the public for the funds we need to go on saving lives at sea.’
RNLI SOS Day - the charity’s biggest annual fundraising day - takes place on 30 January 2009. Anyone can get involved in the fun and free SOS Day fundraising packs are available to everyone by logging onto www.rnli.org.uk/sos or calling 0845 121 4999.