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Lifeboats launch fundraising SOS Lifeboats launch fund-raising SOS
(about 7 hours later)
Lifeboat crews rescued an average of 21 people every day last year, according to figures from the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI).Lifeboat crews rescued an average of 21 people every day last year, according to figures from the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI).
Its boats were launched 8,182 times last year, rescuing 7,533 people.Its boats were launched 8,182 times last year, rescuing 7,533 people.
The charity has 235 lifeboat stations providing emergency services for the UK and Republic of Ireland.The charity has 235 lifeboat stations providing emergency services for the UK and Republic of Ireland.
Most of the crews are volunteers and the charity is calling on the public to help it raise funds through events organised as part of its SOS Day.Most of the crews are volunteers and the charity is calling on the public to help it raise funds through events organised as part of its SOS Day.
"When you consider our lifeboat crews rescue 21 people every day and that over a third of all rescues take place during the hours of darkness, you begin to understand the commitment of our 4,500 volunteer crews," says Michael Vlasto, the director of the Royal National Lifeboat Institute (RNLI)."When you consider our lifeboat crews rescue 21 people every day and that over a third of all rescues take place during the hours of darkness, you begin to understand the commitment of our 4,500 volunteer crews," says Michael Vlasto, the director of the Royal National Lifeboat Institute (RNLI).
"In a year that many families and companies are feeling the pinch, I hope these statistics show the public why we are asking them to support us." "In a year that many families and companies are feeling the pinch, I hope these statistics show the public why we are asking them to support us." Five busiest lifeboat stations: Tower: 403 launchesPoole: 156 launchesChiswick: 149 launchesCalshot: 131 launchesExmouth: 125 launches class="" href="http://www.rnli.org.uk/rnli_near_you">Find your nearest lifeboat station
Charity crunch Many charities are beginning to feel the effect of the credit crunch on their fundraising activities. A survey by the Charity Commission showed that one in four charities who received money from the public reported a decrease in donations in 2008.
Five busiest lifeboat stations: Tower: 403 launchesPoole: 156 launchesChiswick: 149 launchesCalshot: 131 launchesExmouth: 125 launches Find your nearest lifeboat station Many charities are beginning to feel the effect of the credit crunch on their fundraising activities. A survey by the Charity Commission showed that one in four charities who received money from the public reported a decrease in donations in 2008.
Over the past five years the RNLI has rescued over 47,000 people. Last year, the busiest lifeboat station was Tower station on the River Thames. Its crews launched 403 times for rescue or assistance, 52% more than in 2007.Over the past five years the RNLI has rescued over 47,000 people. Last year, the busiest lifeboat station was Tower station on the River Thames. Its crews launched 403 times for rescue or assistance, 52% more than in 2007.
Beach patrols Since 2001 the RNLI has also provided lifeguard patrols on beaches in England and Wales, often taking over the service from local authorities. Five busiest beaches: Woolacombe, Devon: 507 incidentsPerranporth, Cornwall: 490 incidentsWeymouth, Dorset: 484 incidentsCroyde, Devon: 330 incidentsNorth Fistral, Cornwall: 266 incidents
Since 2001 the RNLI has also provided lifeguard patrols on beaches in England and Wales, often taking over the service from local authorities. The RNLI recruits and trains the lifeguards, and pays for their equipment, while the local authorities and beach owners contribute towards the cost of their wages.
Five busiest beaches: Woolacombe, Devon: 507 incidentsPerranporth, Cornwall: 490 incidentsWeymouth, Dorset: 484 incidentsCroyde, Devon: 330 incidentsNorth Fistral, Cornwall: 266 incidents The RNLI recruits and trains the lifeguards, and pays for their equipment, while the local authorities and beach owners contribute towards the cost of their wages.
These lifeguards now patrol 110 beaches and dealt with 9,535 incidents in 2008. This year the RNLI expects to increase this service with more local authorities coming on board.These lifeguards now patrol 110 beaches and dealt with 9,535 incidents in 2008. This year the RNLI expects to increase this service with more local authorities coming on board.
The SOS Day, which is themed around the three letters of the international maritime distress signal, is hosting fundraising events across the UK, including "Serious Over Soccer", "Sample Our Shiraz" wine-tasting and "Salsa Or Samba" dancing.The SOS Day, which is themed around the three letters of the international maritime distress signal, is hosting fundraising events across the UK, including "Serious Over Soccer", "Sample Our Shiraz" wine-tasting and "Salsa Or Samba" dancing.