7,715 people rescued by RNLI lifeboats – 2007 statistics revealed

10 months ago 23rd Jan 15:10

One of the busiest years on record – RNLI annual lifeboat* and lifeguard rescue statistics for 2007 are issued today as the charity gears up for its national fundraising day, RNLI SOS day this Friday 25 January 2008.

Figures* show that the RNLI’s 233 lifeboat station crews launched 8,052 times during 2007, rescuing 7,715 people. RNLI lifeguards, who were operational on 71 beaches in the south west of England and East Anglia, were equally busy rescuing 1,350 people, aiding a further 8,533 people and responding to 8,201 incidents. The wet summer weather meant that the RNLI’s Flood Rescue Team and volunteer lifeboat crews were particularly active inland, rescuing another 200 people in flood hit areas across the UK during the summer months.

Now the charity is calling on members of the public to respond to its own ‘SOS call’ by supporting RNLI SOS day this Friday 25 January. By raising funds, the public will be helping the RNLI to go on saving lives at sea, on beaches and inland waters.

The RNLI’s Operations Director, Michael Vlasto says:

‘Despite fewer visitors to the coast during the early summer months** due to the unseasonable weather, our lifeboats and lifeguards continued to respond to a high number of calls for help, with more and more people using the water and beaches for leisure pursuits. RNLI lifeboats launched to rescue people involved in a wide variety of incidents. Our Sea Safety education initiatives continue to make coastal users aware of the risks and dangers and help prevent incidents from occurring.

‘Our crews were also called upon to rescue various animals, including dogs, horses and cows, with figures increasing by approximately a third (from 75 in 2004 to 108 in 2007) – our busiest year to date for animal rescues. This work ensures that animal owners are not tempted to try and rescue the animals themselves, which can often result in loss of life.’

Of all beach incidents attended to by RNLI lifeguards where environmental factors played a part, nearly 45 per cent were caused by rip currents. Prevention is a major aspect of the RNLI lifeguarding role, with over half a million safety warnings and advice on local hazards being provided to help stop people getting into trouble. Since 2004 the number of people rescued by RNLI lifeguards has more than doubled. During this period the RNLI service has expanded and will continue to do so in 2008, when it is anticipated that RNLI lifeguards will be patrolling over 100 beaches in England and Wales.

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