VOLUNTEER lifeboat crews will remain on call over the festive season, prepared to leave their family celebrations to help save those in trouble at sea.
Last year the RNLI’s volunteers in the South West were involved in 30 search and rescue operations over the nine-day period.
It was the busiest festive period for the crews since 1990, with 17 of the 35 stations in the region being called out the 30 emergencies.
Dave Page, RNLI Acting Regional Operations Manager, said: “Our volunteer crew are on call 365 days a year, 24 hours a day, and that includes Christmas and New Year.
“When most people are settling down to spend quality time with their family and friends, these dedicated volunteers remain prepared to drop everything should they be needed to help others in trouble at sea.
“I thank both them and their loved ones who must also be prepared for Christmas to be disturbed by the call of the pager.”
For more information visit www.rnli.org.uk/seasafety or www.rnli.org.uk/beachsafety.