New figures reveal RNLI crews in the south west including Cornwall saved 42 lives in 2022 as the lifesaving charity puts out its own Mayday call.

RNLI figures released today (Thursday, March 23) reveal the charity’s lifesavers in the South West launched 1,413 times in 2022, saving 42 lives (a 14% increase on 2021).

The charity is now looking ahead to another busy summer of lifesaving and in response is putting out their own Mayday call – asking the public to support our lifesavers by signing up for the Mayday Mile.

With demand for its lifesaving services at a high, the charity is putting out its own ‘Mayday’ call, urging the public to take part in the Mayday Mile fundraiser – taking on the challenge of covering a mile a day for the month of May.

All money raised will help to provide the vital training and equipment that is needed to keep its lifesavers safe, while they risk their own lives to save others.

Whether you choose to walk, jog, hop or skip, the Mayday Mile challenges participants to cover one mile in any way they like every day in May, with sponsorship raising vital funds for RNLI lifesavers so that they can continue saving lives at sea.

Lucy Ashton, Regional Engagement Lead at the RNLI, said: ‘The RNLI has been saving lives at sea for very nearly 200 years. Our incredible lifeboat crews across the south west launched over 1,400 times last year to help those in need, and our lifeguards kept people safe across our beaches. We are so proud of our brave and selfless lifesavers.

‘As a charity, we rely on the generous support of members of the public to continue this lifesaving work. We need ongoing fundraising – now, more than ever – to keep providing our lifesavers with the best equipment and training for their important lifesaving role, which is why we’re calling on people to support our lifesavers this May.

‘Every Mayday Mile completed will help give our lifesavers everything they need to continue to keep people safe this summer – and beyond. It’s so easy to get involved, and to have fun whilst helping the RNLI save lives.’ The Mayday Mile takes place from Monday 1 May to Wednesday 31 May.

Sign up and find out more at RNLI.org/SupportMayday today.