The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Public urged to go the extra mile for RNLI
The RNLI has launched a call for support after reporting an increase in rescues over the past year.
Lifeboat crews in Scotland responded to a rise in incidents in 2021, involving paddleboarders, swimmers and sailing vessels.
The latest data released by the charity shows that lifeboat crews and lifeguards rescued more than one life a day last year.
As the staycation trend is expected to continue throughout 2022, another busy season is anticipated for the RNLI volunteers.
More than half of Scotland’s 46 lifeboat stations are in the north and north-east, responsible for more than a third of last year’s lifeboat launches.
Lifeboats from the 25 lifeboat stations in the north and north-east, from Oban in the west round to Stonehaven in the east, launched 438 times in 2021 and rescued 342 people.
Across Scotland, lifeboat crews and lifeguards saved 408 lives in 2021 – up 17% from 2020. The latest data released by RNLI shows there was also an increase in the number of lifeboat launches last year.
A total of 1,176 launches in Scotland marks an increase of 10% from 2020.
Crews spent 9,245 hours on rescue calls in the same period, which is a 14% increase on the year before.
Funds are vital for the RNLI to continue its lifesaving work, and it relies on the generosity of
the public taking part in a range of fundraising events.
The charity has launched a national fundraiser running across the UK and Ireland throughout May.
People are invited to complete the Mayday Mile at any point during the month in any way they choose, while raising money for the RNLI.
Claire MacDonald, fundraising and
partnerships lead for Scotland, said: “It’s clear from these new figures that demand for our services is continuing to rise, with our lifesavers dropping everything to run to the lifeboat station when the call comes. Every penny raised during Mayday will go towards ensuring we are ready to save even more lives this year.”
Volunteer crew member
Neil Chalmers, from Kinghorn Lifeboat Station in Fife, added: “Summer is our busiest time of year, with thousands of people at risk of getting into danger by the water. Ordinary people just enjoying days out with family or friends. Mayday is our own call for help, as we rely on the generosity of the public.”
To sign up for the Mayday Mile visit the RNLI website.