As families come together to enjoy the festive season RNLI volunteers in Cornwall and across the South West will remain on call, ready to leave Christmas and New Year festivities at a moment's notice to respond to emergencies at sea.
Last year Fowey, Looe and Newquay stations all launched their lifeboats to rescue people in trouble over the festive period.
Tom Mansell, RNLI Inspector in the South West, said: "We have a remarkable team of volunteers in the South West who crew and launch our lifeboats and it's at this special time of year that it becomes ever more obvious how dedicated and committed they are to saving lives at sea, sacrificing this special time with their loved ones if the pagers go off.
"Of course, this would not be possible without the support of their family and friends, who are always prepared for Christmas to be disturbed by the call of the pager if there is someone in trouble at sea, sometimes in difficult and dangerous situations, or flooding inland where our specially trained volunteers are now being asked to help.
"I thank them and I also thank our dedicated fundraisers and supporters, whose work is vital in ensuring we, as a charity, have the funds we need to keep saving lives at sea.
"We now look ahead to the charity's annual fundraising event, SOS Day on Friday 25 January. Visit www.rnli.org.uk/sos to find out how you can support those events already organised, arrange your own event or make a donation."
In Cornwall, the charity is currently running a campaign to recruit more fundraising volunteers. More information can be found at www.rnli.org.uk/volunteercornwall
The RNLI offers free year-round advice for sea users and beach visitors. Visit www.rnli.org.uk/seasafety or www.rnli.org.uk/beachsafety for more information.
Last year Fowey, Looe and Newquay stations all launched their lifeboats to rescue people in trouble over the festive period.
Tom Mansell, RNLI Inspector in the South West, said: "We have a remarkable team of volunteers in the South West who crew and launch our lifeboats and it's at this special time of year that it becomes ever more obvious how dedicated and committed they are to saving lives at sea, sacrificing this special time with their loved ones if the pagers go off.
"Of course, this would not be possible without the support of their family and friends, who are always prepared for Christmas to be disturbed by the call of the pager if there is someone in trouble at sea, sometimes in difficult and dangerous situations, or flooding inland where our specially trained volunteers are now being asked to help.
"I thank them and I also thank our dedicated fundraisers and supporters, whose work is vital in ensuring we, as a charity, have the funds we need to keep saving lives at sea.
"We now look ahead to the charity's annual fundraising event, SOS Day on Friday 25 January. Visit www.rnli.org.uk/sos to find out how you can support those events already organised, arrange your own event or make a donation."
In Cornwall, the charity is currently running a campaign to recruit more fundraising volunteers. More information can be found at www.rnli.org.uk/volunteercornwall
The RNLI offers free year-round advice for sea users and beach visitors. Visit www.rnli.org.uk/seasafety or www.rnli.org.uk/beachsafety for more information.
