RNLI volunteers prepare for a festive season on call

24 December 2025

Emily JohnsSouth West

News image — "Knowing we can make a difference is what keeps us going," says Wes Foster

Darren Blight A man with ginger-coloured hair and beard wearing a yellow coat and a red life jacket. — "Knowing we can make a difference is what keeps us going," says Wes Foster

RNLI volunteers said it was "never easy leaving loved ones" at Christmas to attend a coastal emergency, but "making a difference" made it worthwhile.

Wes Foster, a member of the Plymouth RNLI team, said: "Being on call means we're always ready to step away from the celebrations at a moment's notice to help someone in need."

Johnny Bray, from Lizard lifeboat crew, in Cornwall, said "we're all prepared to leave our own celebrations with friends and family to help" people in trouble.

The RNLI said its crews in the South West launched 12 times over the festive period in 2024, including a late night callout on Christmas Eve.

Jon-Paul Whaley Three men dressed in yellow, waterproof jumpsuits, with red life jackets and protective gear stood on an RNLI lifeboat vessel. — Johnny (centre) and his two sons, Matt and Harry, were on the Lizard lifeboat on Christmas Eve, and all responded to a call for help, said the charity

A Lizard lifeboat crew was sent to a cargo ship at 22:00 (GMT) on 24 December 2024 after a sailor suffered serious injuries in a fall.

The RNLI said fog grounded the coastguard helicopter, leaving the lifeboat as the only immediate help available.

Johnny Bray, volunteer second mechanic, said: "In total 22 crew, shore crew and launch authorities responded late on Christmas Eve... meaning we were able to provide the essential, immediate casualty care to the injured crew member."

Alfred Amiss, a trainee navigator, said he was wrapping last minute stocking fillers when he received the pager last year.

"You don't expect it at all, I jumped up and headed down to the station with my brother as we are both crew members," he said.

"The crew turned up in their pyjamas, many Christmas hats and I think the launch time was about seven minutes from pager to water, which is incredibly quick."

'Makes it worth it'

Josh Dearing, a volunteer crew and mechanic on St Helier's all weather lifeboat, said: "The festive season is always a bit different for us as lifeboat volunteers... Being there to help someone who needs us makes it worth it."

Mr Bray added: "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."

The RNLI said volunteers would be on call 24/7 in Devon, Cornwall, Jersey and Guernsey throughout the festive period, and ready to respond to emergencies.

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