Supporting Our Charity of the Year: The RNLI

At Beverley Holidays, we’re proud to support an incredible organisation as our Charity of the Year – the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI). Whether you’re visiting us for a relaxing coastal break or enjoying time with family, the RNLI’s presence along our shores is something we can all be grateful for. Their volunteers are always ready to respond when lives are at risk, often in the most challenging conditions imaginable.

A Proud History of Saving Lives

The RNLI has a remarkable story that stretches back over 200 years. While early lifeboat designs appeared between 1785 and 1790, it wasn’t until 1824 that the RNLI was formally established, thanks to the determination of Sir William Hillary . Living on the Isle of Man, Hillary witnessed countless shipwrecks and refused to accept the loss of life as inevitable.

At the time, there were around 1,800 shipwrecks every year around the British coastline . His vision was simple but powerful: a dedicated, volunteer-led service ready to save lives at sea, regardless of nationality or circumstance.

From those early beginnings, the RNLI has grown into a vital national institution. Today:

• It operates 238 lifeboat stations across the UK and Ireland
• Supports 240+ lifeguard units on beaches
• Has saved over 146,700 lives since 1824
• Relies entirely on donations and voluntary support

The RNLI remains independent of the government, meaning every rescue is made possible thanks to public generosity.

Torbay Lifeboats: A Local Lifeline

Here in South Devon, the RNLI’s presence is especially important. Torbay is one of the busiest lifeboat stations in the South West, with a history shaped by tragedy and heroism.

The station itself was established following the devastating Great Storm of January 1866, when many lives were lost in the waters around Brixham Harbour . In response, local communities raised funds to provide Torbay with its first lifeboat – a powerful example of people coming together to protect others.

Today, Torbay operates two lifeboats:

• A Severn Class All-Weather Lifeboat – “Alec & Christina Dykes”
• A D Class Inshore Lifeboat – “Lesley & Mary Dawes”

Torbay by the Numbers

• 113 callouts in 2025
• 144 callouts the 2024
• 32 dedicated volunteer crew members

Each “shout” (callout) can cost thousands of pounds when you consider fuel, training, maintenance, and equipment. Yet for those in danger, that cost is irrelevant – what matters is that help arrives quickly.

Meet the Brixham RNLI Crew

At the heart of Torbay’s lifesaving service is the Brixham crew – a team of 32 volunteers who are ready to drop everything at a moment’s notice.

These are ordinary people doing extraordinary things:

• Fishermen
• Tradespeople
• Office workers
• Parents and neighbours

They leave their homes, workplaces, and families when the pager goes off, heading straight into dangerous conditions to save others. Over the years, their bravery has been recognised with RNLI medals for gallantry, and even national honours – including an OBE awarded to former Coxswain Mark Criddle .

While we can’t include individual bios and photos here, if you visit the station (see below), you’ll often get the chance to meet crew members and learn more about their roles and experiences.

Life-Saving Tips: What To Do in the Water

The RNLI doesn’t just rescue people – it also works tirelessly to prevent accidents.

One of their most important safety messages is “Float to Live.”

If you ever find yourself unexpectedly in the water:

1. Tilt your head back and submerge your ears
2. Relax and control your breathing
3. Move your hands gently to stay afloat
4. Don’t panic if your legs sink – everyone floats differently
5. Spread your arms and legs like a starfish for stability

Cold water shock can cause panic and rapid breathing, but floating helps you regain control and gives you a better chance of survival.

Can You Visit the Lifeboat Station in Brixham?

Yes – and it’s highly recommended!

Carol Pearson our Visits Officer is happy to do pre-arranged tours of the lifeboat and/or station for any group of 6 people. E-mail her direct at carol@grayslegal.co.uk.

Individuals can also email her or call in to the RNLI Kiosk by the Lifeboat station (Berry Head Road) where she has a “sign up” form for specific days.

If e-mail is not possible whoever is in the Kiosk will be able to give out one of her cards with further contact details on and ensure at that time that any potential visitors are informed of the Health and Safety regulations.

How You Can Support the RNLI

As a charity, the RNLI depends entirely on public donations.

During your stay at Beverley Park, you may spot Donation boxes across the park. You can donate by cash or card via the QR code on the boxes.

Every pound raised locally goes toward supporting the Torbay lifeboats and ensuring they can continue their lifesaving work.

A Special Easter Visit

We’re also excited to share that the RNLI – along with their much-loved mascot Stormy Stan– will be visiting Beverley Holidays on Easter Monday!

It’s a fantastic opportunity for families to:

• Meet representatives from the RNLI
• Learn more about their work
• Get involved and support the charity
• Buy RNLI Souvenirs

A Final Thought

The RNLI represents the very best of human kindness and courage. For over two centuries, volunteers have risked their lives to save strangers at sea – asking for nothing in return.

Next time you look out across the water, it’s worth remembering: if something goes wrong, there’s a team ready to come to the rescue.

And that team exists because of people like you.

If you’d like to support the RNLI during your stay, please consider making a donation or visiting the lifeboat station. Together, we can help ensure this incredible service continues for generations to come.