RNLI Volunteers Prepare for Festive Season Callouts Across the South West

RNLI volunteers across the south west are preparing to pause their festivities at a moment’s notice, as lifeboat crews in Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Somerset and the Channel Islands get ready to respond over the Christmas period.

Callouts Last Christmas

Lifeboats across the region launched 12 times over the festive period last year, including a late night call for help on Christmas Eve.

The volunteer crew at The Lizard were sent out at 10pm on Christmas Eve 2024 to deal with a medical emergency on a 100 metre commercial coaster. A crew member on board had sustained serious injuries after falling down a flight of stairs.

Fog Grounds Helicopter as Lifeboat Steps In

Severe fog meant Coastguard helicopter Rescue 924 was unable to fly, leaving the lifeboat as the only source of immediate help.

When the lifeboat arrived, four casualty care trained volunteers were transferred onto the vessel. They administered emergency care to stabilise the injured man.

As the fog lifted, Rescue 924 received clearance to take off and headed to the scene. A Coastguard paramedic was winched down to the vessel. After further medical attention, the casualty was safely airlifted to hospital. The RNLI crew returned to their lifeboat and headed back to station, arriving at 12.20am. By 12.50am, the lifeboat was rehoused and ready for service again.

A Family Responds Together

Among those answering the pager that night was volunteer second mechanic Johnny Bray, who works with both his sons in their family heating company. Johnny, Matt and Harry all responded to the call. Johnny said:

‘In total 22 crew, shore crew and launch authorities responded to their pagers late on Christmas eve, meaning that we were able to launch quickly and safely to provide the essential, immediate casualty care to the injured crew member.

‘While for many, Christmas eve is a time of merriment and celebration with friends and family, even at this time of year people still get in trouble at sea, and we’re all prepared to leave our own celebrations with friends and family to help them.

‘As volunteer lifeboat crew we couldn’t launch without kind donations from the public which fund the kit, training and equipment we need to save others and to get home safely.’

Supporting the RNLI This Winter

To support the RNLI’s Christmas Appeal and help fund the kit, training and equipment crews rely on, donations can be made at the charity’s website:
RNLI Christmas Appeal

📷Credit: RNLI/The Lizard