This week, the RNLI celebrated 200 years of lifesaving. As part of the anniversary celebrations, the RNLI’s Chair was joined by staff and volunteers to mark International Women’s Day and celebrate our remarkable women lifesavers.
Against the backdrop of Westminster Abbey, a historic rowing lifeboat and a RNLI Shannon class lifeboat, Jen Payne, inshore lifeboat volunteer at Penarth, volunteer Áine Flynn from Ballycotton’s all-weather lifeboat, Karen Stewart from the Lochinver Fundraising Branch and Jersey lifeguard Nelly Gallican stood outside the Abbey to represent the women volunteers who came before them, celebrate the women volunteers of today and inspire the next generation.
The lifesavers were joined by RNLI Chair Janet Legrand and Director of Fundraising Media and Marketing, Jayne George.
For 2024, the theme for International Women’s Day is to inspire inclusion by celebrating diversity and empowerment for the future.
RNLI Chair, Janet Legrand said: ‘As we celebrate our bicentenary, it was incredibly important for us to take a moment with women from across all roles at the RNLI to mark this remarkable milestone in our charity’s history.
‘For generations, women have launched lifeboats, fundraised millions and saved lives. As we enter our third century, we hope to inspire more women to volunteer with our lifesaving charity.’
As part of the lifesaving charity’s celebration to mark their 200th anniversary on 4 March 2024, volunteers and staff from across the UK and Ireland joined a Service of Thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey.
The RNLI has been saving lives at sea around the UK and Ireland for 200 years and, since the charity was founded in 1824, its volunteer lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved an incredible 146,277 lives.
The Women of the RNLI exhibition at the National Maritime Museum in London is now open until December. Visit rmg.co.uk for more information.
