The RNLI recently launched its partnership as the official charity partner of The Gemini Boat Race 2022, which is set for Sunday 3 April.
Since 2002, the RNLI’s Chiswick lifeboat station has supported The Boat Race between Oxford and Cambridge with its E-class lifeboat.
The crew are on hand to keep The Boat Race competitors safe, as well as the thousands of spectators who line the banks of the Thames on race day.
In 2016, the RNLI bolstered its lifesaving service with the addition of nine Arancia-class lifeboats crewed by lifeguards. These are strategically positioned along the course to keep the public safe while the tide is incoming.
The partnership first took place in 2019, with the aim of increasing awareness of the RNLI’s flagship ‘float to live’ drowning prevention campaign.
In addition, in 2022 the RNLI’s community safety team will be working with venues and schools along the course to provide lifesaving water safety training and encourage familiarity with throw lines.
The partnership aims to raise funds to support the Thames’ lifesaving service with all proceeds going towards the running costs of the four RNLI stations along the river.
Wayne Bellamy, station manager for RNLI Chiswick, said, “2022 will be the 20th year that my crew and I have supported The Boat Race, and kept competitors and spectators safe. This year also happens to be our station’s 20th birthday.
“In that time, we have launched over 4,000 times and rescued almost 2,000 people, and on behalf of our 100 volunteer crew, fundraisers and water safety team, I would like to thank you for your continued support of the RNLI at Chiswick.”
As previously reported on Afloat.ie, former Chiswick crew member James Kitt has had his first Christmas on call with the RNLI at his new home in Baltimore in West Cork.
