Jersey RNLI lifeboats celebrate 200th anniversary

Jersey lifeboat crews have saved more than 600 lives

The 200th birthday of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) is being marked with a series of events in Jersey.

The RNLI was founded on 4 March 1824 and since then, more than 600 lives have been saved by Jersey crews.

Celebrations start on Monday, with a crew event at St Helier lifeboat station, originally built in 1884.

RNLI Jersey crew and fundraisers will also be in attendance at a service of thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey.

Jersey Post will be marking the occasion with a commemorative stamp issue.

Events are being held across the island

Other events across the year in the island to celebrate the anniversary include:

• The painting of a mural of a former Coxswain on the wall of St Helier Lifeboat Station

• A commemorative scroll relay, visiting St Helier and St Catherine's lifeboat stations

• A RNLI Jersey Gala Ball celebrating RNLI 200

• A "One Moment One Crew" day, where photos are taken of all the RNLI Jersey crew, lifeguards and volunteers

• St Catherine's Lifeboat Station Open Day.

St Catherine's lifeboat station will be holding an open day later this year

'Truly remarkable'

RNLI Chief Executive, Mark Dowie, said: "For a charity to have survived 200 years based on the time and commitment of volunteers, and the sheer generosity of the public donating to fund it, is truly remarkable.

"It is through the courage and dedication of its incredible people that the RNLI has survived the tests of time, including tragic losses, funding challenges, two World Wars and, more recently, a global pandemic."