Welcome
Your care and generosity never cease to amaze us. The support for our Christmas Appeal and Lifeboat Lottery has been overwhelming and we cannot thank you enough. RNLI lifeboat volunteers strive to save every one, and they can’t do it alone. Having you beside them on their lifesaving mission makes all the difference – thank you for being there this Christmas. Our crews and lifeguards don’t often hear back from those they save, but when they do, it’s the greatest feeling in the world. You can get that warm, fuzzy feeling too on page 6, where one fisherman’s brush with death made thanking his rescuers even more poignant. And again on page 10, which features four heartwarming rescue reunions.
Christmas is a time for coming together, but for those missing dear loved ones, it can be tough. It was 6 days before Christmas, 44 years ago, when the Penlee lifeboat crew were lost at sea. RNLI fundraising stalwart Janet Madron, who lost her husband Stephen in the tragedy, shares her story of hope after loss on page 9. Thank you once again for being there for your RNLI family. We wish you and yours a safe and happy festive season.
The Water Safety Code in schools
For the first time from September 2026, learning how to stay safe around, in and on the water, including how to float in an emergency, will be a mandatory part of the curriculum for primary and secondary schoolchildren aged 5–16 in England.
The Department for Education (DfE) has integrated the Water Safety Code into its new Relationships, Sex and Health Education (RSHE) statutory guidance.
This major breakthrough in water safety education comes after years of campaigning driven by the National Water Forum, which includes Swim England, the Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS UK) and the RNLI. It’s hoped this will pave the way for the rest of the UK and Ireland.
Vicki Lovegrove-Fray
Your RNLI Team
Email: your_rnli@rnli.org.uk
WE CAN’T DO IT WITHOUT PEOPLE LIKE YOU: How would you like to hear from us? We’re so grateful for the support you have shown for the RNLI – it all helps save lives. But if you would rather not hear from us, or would like to change how we contact you, please get in touch. Just call 0300 300 9918 (from the UK), 01 511 9837 (from Ireland), or +44 1202 663234 (from any other country) on weekdays, 8am–6pm, go to RNLI.org/preferences or write to our Supporter Experience Team, RNLI, West Quay Road, Poole, BH15 1HZ.
Cover photo: RNLI partners practising the HELP (Heat Escape Lessening Position) and Huddle water safety technique in crew kit at the RNLI Sea Survival Centre in Poole, Dorset
Credit: RNLI
‘For anyone with mobility issues – relax, tilt your head back, get your ears in the water and float’
Ben Pritchard | Paralympic and European Para-rowing Champion
‘Remember, finding your float could save your life. Remember it. Practise it. Share it.’
Jacob Ward | Fitness Influencer
Float to Live hits the catwalk
These innovative lifesaving designs were created by fashion student and RNLI supporter Kaitlyn Joy for Graduate Fashion Week 2025. With sustainability at its core, the 100% recycled menswear was made from donations of decommissioned RNLI lifeboat crew and lifeguard kit, Hypalon boat scraps and marine offcuts.
Kaitlyn’s aim was to raise awareness of the RNLI and our Float to Live water safety campaign, and with a Highly Commended result, she certainly turned heads.
Congratulations Kaitlyn!
Find your Float
The theme of this year’s World Drowning Prevention Day on 25 July was to ‘Find your Float’ in a safe environment and discover what floating looks and feels like for you. With practice, everyone can float. Knowing your float means that if you ever get into trouble, you’ll know how to keep your head above water until help arrives. So far, over 50 people have told the RNLI that floating helped to save their life.
Those who got in the water to find their float included Ben Pritchard – Paralympic and European Para-rowing Champion and former RNLI Lifeboat Volunteer and Lifeguard – and Fitness Influencer
Jacob Ward. Ben showed how wheelchair users and people with mobility issues can float, and Jacob hoped to inspire his 750,000+ social media followers to have a go too. Other celebrities backing the campaign included GB Olympic Rower Helen Glover and TV Presenter Fern Britton.
For tips on how to find your float, visit RNLI.org/float
Turning heads at Graduate Fashion Week
By signing up to RNLI emails, you’ll get the latest news, more regularly, delivered straight to your inbox. Email updates help with sustainability and reduce admin costs, making your support go even further. Visit RNLI.org/MyEmail to sign up today.
Photos (pages 2–3): Kaitlyn Joy, RNLI/Claire Fitzpatrick-Smith, Jacob Ward
RNLI TO THE RESCUE
Two challenging cliff rescues
HOWTH | 19 JUNE 2025
Howth volunteers had a challenging afternoon when they responded to two serious incidents in quick succession, both in difficult, rocky locations. The first involved three teenagers, one of whom was injured, who were stranded on a cliff after being cut off by the tide. The second involved a seriously injured teenager who had fallen from cliffs and another teenager who had swum to help him. Both shouts had positive outcomes, thanks to the exceptional teamwork between Howth RNLI and the Coast Guard teams.
| 24 JUNE 2025
It took the combined efforts of Cullercoats and Tynemouth lifeboat crews, and Cullercoats RNLI lifeguards, to bring a large group of paddleboarders and kayakers to safety. The group got caught out by the offshore wind and were being blown out to sea. The lifeguards paddled out to help the group and stood by as 14 of them managed to make their own way safely back to shore. The lifeboat crews rescued the remaining 13 children and 5 adults.
A helping hand on a mayday shout
When the skipper of a French yacht became unwell after suffering a problem with the foresail, his daughters put out a mayday. Hearing the urgent call for help, the Condor Voyager ferry diverted to help the family until St Helier lifeboat crew arrived. Conditions were too dangerous to transfer the family onto the lifeboat and, as the skipper wasn’t in immediate danger, lifeboat volunteers managed to sail the yacht to St Helier, escorted by the all-weather lifeboat crew.
Large-scale search for overdue boat
STRANRAER, PORTPATRICK, GIRVAN AND DONAGHADEE | 21 JULY 2025
A sailing boat that failed to arrive in Bangor, County Down, as expected sparked a large-scale search and rescue operation. Covering a wide area of sea between Scotland and Northern Ireland, the operation involved four lifeboats, multiple Coastguard rescue teams, and a Coastguard search and rescue helicopter.
Stranraer launched first in their D class inshore lifeboat. They searched northern Loch Ryan, into the North Channel, towards Ballantrae on the Scottish coast, then southwards through Loch Ryan, before returning to Stranraer.
Three all-weather lifeboats launched next – Portpatrick’s Shannon, Girvan’s Shannon, and Donghadee’s Trent. Working together, these lifeboats searched areas from the coasts of Ayrshire, Dumfries and Galloway to the Irish Sea.
Stranraer launched again from Portpatrick Harbour to search northwards towards North Cairn, known for strong tidal conditions and vessel traffic.
While shore-based Coastguard rescue teams monitored coastal areas, the Coastguard helicopter searched a broader area from above.
Thankfully, after several hours of searching, Donaghadee lifeboat crew found the overdue sailors safe and well near Bangor.
‘This search operation showed the value of coordination, fast response, and teamwork. We’re grateful the vessel was located safe and well.’
SEAN HANNAH, VOLUNTEER HELM, STRANRAER RNLI
Time is running out for a fisherman who has been trapped in freezing cold water for 2 hours
Off-duty Helm Andy Stone was working on the water in his boat Salty Sea Dog when he heard the Coastguard requesting the immediate launch of Weston-super-Mare’s D class lifeboat over the radio. There was an empty dinghy and a person in the water near Sand Point in the fast-flowing Bristol Channel.
A false alarm
Andy made his way to the area and found an upturned rowing dinghy a little beyond Sand Point, at Middle Hope Bay. ‘I had a good look to make sure there wasn’t anyone attached to it, then gave the Coastguard the location,’ recalls Andy. ‘I do a lot of fishing in that area,
so I know the tides well. Luckily, that day in October there was only a little breeze and the sea was quite calm. I figured because the dinghy was close to the shoreline, anybody drifting in the water would be too.’
A friend in need
Then an update came through from the Coastguard. The search was now for a person in the water with a boat – a blue boat next to a brown boat.
‘I had an inkling it might be my fisherman friend Allan and his boat Star Trek,’ says Andy. ‘So I continued up to St Thomas’s Head and swung into the River Banwell where Allan’s
boat was moored. As I made my way upriver, I saw him. He was clinging to the back of Star Trek and was visibly cold and tired. He looked very relieved to see a friendly face coming to help him.’
Allan’s fishing boat was tied to a mooring buoy in the river. He had fallen into the water centimetres from safety as he attempted to transfer from his boarding dinghy. It left him hanging onto the back of his fishing boat in freezing cold water, weighed down with a backpack and fighting the river current.
I could get him out of the water on my own was to use the back of the engine to help support his weight.’
Andy calmly cut his engine and drifted over to the bank where he knew it was shallower.
‘I got Allan to put one foot on the engine gearbox – exactly as we do in RNLI capsize training for the D class lifeboat. That extra push from Allan’s leg helped me to get him safely onboard.’
Just in time
‘Allan passed his backpack to me and let go of his boat while I grabbed hold of him over the front of my boat. I moved him along the side of the boat by part lifting him and part pulling him around the bow. The only way continued
‘I
‘He was slurring his words. I wasn’t sure how long he’d been in the water, but when he told me he’d been there for nearly 2 hours, I knew I needed to get him to the lifeboat as soon as possible. I could hear the helicopter overhead
WAS TERRIFIED’
‘I kept shouting for help, but there wasn’t anyone around. I was terrified. I was praying help would come, then I saw someone walking. I shouted, then I saw them running. A bit later through a gap in the bushes I heard them say “someone’s coming”.
‘When I first saw Andy on his boat, I was so relieved. I’m so grateful to all the people who helped me and the passer-by that raised the alarm. Since being rescued I’ve ordered
myself a lifejacket and my wife has bought me a waterproof phone holder. I won’t be going back out to my boat without them.’
‘I don’t know how much longer Allan could have
held on
for’ ANDY STONE, VOLUNTEER HELM, WESTON-SUPER-MARE RNLI
Allan is transferred into the D class lifeboat
The B class lifeboat crew take over Allan’s care
Allan is airlifted into the Coastguard rescue helicopter
and relayed this new information to the pilot. By now I was in radio contact with the D class, so I arranged to meet the crew out in the bay, just around St Thomas’s Head.’
The crew of the D class lifeboat took Allan onboard and gave him an initial medical assessment, a warm hug in a survival blanket and the stimulus to keep talking and alert. The decision was made to evacuate him by air from the D class’s big sister lifeboat, the B class Atlantic 85.
After another transfer, the B class sped out into the bay to meet the Coastguard rescue helicopter, while the D class retrieved the upturned dinghy. A Coastguard paramedic and the lifeboat crew helped winch Allan up off the B class for a quick flight to hospital, where he later made a full recovery.
An emotional reunion
‘I don’t know how much longer Allan could have held on for, but I doubt it would have been that long,’ says Andy. ‘The fact that I was already afloat meant I reached him quicker, so it’s possible that helped him survive.
‘Allan came down to the boathouse the following day, when his arms were still numb. He told me: “I am so grateful. I was thinking about the kids, my family and my body, and I was ready to let go.” I could detect a tear in his eye.’ ■
BETTER TOGETHER
Thank you for helping to save Allan’s life. His rescue was only possible thanks to a whole community of people, including you. Your kindness helps to:
Kit the crew
Provide vital casualty care
Stephen Duncombe, RNLI/(Lewis Hewer, Simon Johnson, Nigel Millard, Holly Turner, Weston-super-Mare, Nathan Williams)
Allan thanks his rescuers for saving his life, including Andy (far left)
Build lifeboats
Family
TIES
Meet RNLI fundraising stalwart and lifesaver Janet Madron
On 19 December 1981, the crew of the Penlee lifeboat Solomon Browne were lost at sea while trying to rescue the crew and passengers of the Union Star. Janet’s husband, Stephen Madron, was among them. Since 1824, 438 courageous lifeboat volunteers have lost their own lives while striving to save every one. For all those missing loved ones this Christmas, Janet’s story of hope after loss is for you.
Remembering the tragedy
Stephen hadn’t eaten his evening meal and, as I put his plate in the Rayburn, I thought: ‘He’s not coming back for this.’ I just had an awful feeling.
It was all so unreal. To think I was never going to hear that whistling again. He was such a large character. Aggravating, annoying, but kind-hearted and willing to do anything for anybody.
The tragedy took the heart of the village because those men were such a big part of it. It took a long time for Mousehole to get back on its feet.
Life was really difficult, but you just have to get on with it, especially with children. I remember the first time I went out by myself to buy a bottle of Comfort fabric conditioner. I didn’t want to make eye contact with anybody. I said to the shopkeeper: ‘I want some Comfort please.’ And he came running round the counter and gave me a big hug!
Finding fulfilment
Within a fortnight of being married to Stephen in 1970, I was one of the ladies of the Penlee lifeboat, helping behind stalls – and here I am, 55 years later!
But when the crew were lost, I wasn’t sure whether to carry on. I spoke with Trevelyan’s mum Mary – he was coxswain that night – and she said: ‘I think we’ll carry on.’ So I thought: ‘If Mary can do it at her age, I can too.’ I’m just so glad I did because the RNLI is a big part of my life now. I really enjoy it – volunteering in the shop, meeting and talking to people. It fills up my life. ■
Hear more from Janet in the RNLI 200 Voices podcast. Visit RNLI.org/janet
inspired?
Janet holding a photo of Stephen, who was the second coxswain and mechanic at Penlee
Heartwarming reunions
Meet some of the people and pooches who got to thank their rescuers, thanks to YOU
Joanna and Matty
Swimmer Joanna Hicks made a miraculous recovery after RNLI Lifeguard Matty McLeod found her face down and unconscious in the water on 29 July 2023. You may remember reading about the incredible rescue in your autumn issue of Your RNLI. In August this year, Joanna and Matty were reunited for the first time back on Newgale Beach.
‘It was absolutely wonderful to meet Matty,’ says Joanna.
‘I feel honoured to have met him. I’m amazed at the RNLI’s level of training to deal with these situations and to do it so well. The charity means the world to me and I’m very happy to support them in any way I can.’
Get the full story at RNLI.org/joanna
Jordan and Creed
Just 9 days before Christmas last year, Capital Breakfast host Jordan North and Creed the Labrador were rescued from the River Thames by Chiswick lifeboat crew. Jordan, who was out on a run, saw the dog struggling in the water and went in to rescue him, but ended up getting into trouble himself. In July, the pair were reunited, live on air, at Capital FM. And this is the heart-warming moment they saw each other again.
Read more about the rescue at RNLI.org/jordan
Lola and her owners
When Cockapoo Lola was spooked by another dog while out on a walk in January, she went missing for over 30 hours, resulting in a community-wide search. Luckily, the gorgeous pooch was wearing a distinctive red Christmas jumper, which prompted a number of positive sightings. These included on a doorbell cam, at a local ice cream shop, at the beach, at a park, and darting across a dual carriageway.
Every sighting of Lola ended in disappointment, until barking was heard from Middle Island near the Mumbles Lighthouse. The Mumbles lifeboat crew launched and sent a crew member ashore after spotting something in a gully. It was Lola! She was very cold and distressed, but otherwise unharmed. Once in the lifeboat, the crew wrapped Lola in blankets and took her to Pier Beach for a joyous family reunion.
Read more about the rescue at RNLI.org/lola
Becky and the Hoylake crew
Becky and her husband were walking their five dogs on Leasowe Beach in October 2024 when they were cut off by the incoming spring tide. While Becky’s husband and four of the dogs managed to wade ashore, Becky and her elderly dog remained trapped and in danger from the flooding tide. They were rescued by Hoylake’s rescue hovercraft crew after Becky’s husband called 999 and asked for the Coastguard.
Becky returned to the station just before Christmas to thank the volunteers and to present a generous donation to the charity.
Read more about the rescue at RNLI.org/becky
Photos: Global, The Kinally family, RNLI/(Hoylake, Barbara Szente)
Benefits:
• membership gift certificate to download and wrap
• welcome pack with special member handbook
• four Lifeboat magazines a year, featuring courageous rescues and lifesaving news
• set of postcards
Benefits:
• membership gift certificate to download and wrap
• welcome pack with bag, pencil case and stickers
• four Storm Force magazines a year, packed with rescues, water safety tips and fun stuff
• access to our online Crew Room
Photos: RNLI/(Harrison Bates, Jimmy Young)