Lifeboat crews and lifeguards in the United Kingdom and Ireland have rescued more than one person a day from drowning in 2021, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) said.
The charity saved 408 people last year, an increase of 59 from 2020. Lifeboats have been launched 8868 times and crews have helped a total of 12,903 people – the equivalent of 35 a day.
RNLI has launched its Mayday Mile campaign, encouraging people to take a mile walk or run in May to raise money for the charity. RNLI lifeboat crew members will cover the first mile of Southend Pier in uniform.
Pete Emmett, head of the charity’s commitment, said: “RNLI has been saving lives at sea for almost 200 years. We have seen a significant increase in the number of people in the UK and Ireland who need our help over the last year, and we are so proud that our brave rescuers have been there to save them. But maintaining a 24/7 life-saving emergency service is expensive and costs are rising, so we call on people to support our rescuers.
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“Each completed Mayday Mile will help give our rescuers everything they need to keep people safe this summer and beyond. It’s so easy to get involved and have fun while saving lives – last year we saw miles of climbing walls, space bunkers, paddle boards and carrying jets full of roasted beans. We hope to see many more people take up the fundraising challenge this year. “
In January, RNLI said it was on track for the highest annual fundraiser in its history, after growing public support in response to right-wing attacks by the charity to save the lives of asylum seekers crossing the English Channel.
He raised more than £ 200,000 in one day after responding to criticism such as Nigel Farage’s claim that it was a “migrant taxi”.
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