RNLI Volunteers Honoured with Christmas Song: ‘Pull Away’ Aims for Festive Chart Success

A Musical Tribute to Lifesaving Heroes

The folk band Police Dog Hogan has released a heartfelt Christmas single, Pull Away, in tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) volunteers. The release comes as the RNLI marks its 200th anniversary of saving lives at sea.

The song, written by James Studholme of Police Dog Hogan and Chris Hoban, tells the story of a fictional Christmas Day rescue, inspired by the tireless dedication of RNLI lifeboat crews who remain on call 24/7, even during the festive season.

The music video, filmed at Selsey RNLI lifeboat station, features the band performing inside the boathouse alongside powerful archive footage from the RNLI. The single can be streamed on major platforms and downloaded from Apple Music.

Celebrating Two Centuries of Service

Since its founding in 1824, the RNLI has saved over 146,000 lives. Volunteers have always been at the heart of the charity, risking their lives to respond to distress calls, funded entirely by public contributions.

James described the inspiration behind the song:
“Pull Away tells of a Christmas Day rescue, when the brave lifeboat volunteers launch the lifeboat to go to the rescue of a stricken ship. Meeting the volunteers at RNLI Selsey was wonderful, and we were able to feel how deeply felt and personal the service they provide is.”

Anjie Rook, RNLI Associate Director, highlighted the reality of lifeboat volunteers’ sacrifices:
“Pull Away is a powerful song which really captures how life can be for our volunteers – being woken in the middle of the night, facing terrible weather and rough seas, heading into the unknown to try and save others in distress, even at Christmas.”

Support the Song, Support the RNLI

Fowey RNLI lifeboat station shared their support for the single, encouraging the public to help Pull Away climb the Christmas charts. Volunteers at Fowey and lifeboat stations across Cornwall and the UK will remain on call throughout the holiday period, ready to respond to emergencies.

For those wishing to support the RNLI and the vital work of its volunteers, Pull Away is available to stream and download. The song not only honours two centuries of lifesaving efforts but also raises awareness and funds to ensure the charity can continue its essential work.

If you see someone in trouble at sea, call 999 and ask for the coastguard. Stay safe and Merry Christmas!