Your guide to what’s been going on in the world of the RNLI

SAVE THE DATE: AGM 2019

Our annual general meeting (AGM) will be held at Grange Tower Bridge Hotel in London on Thursday 25 July. It’s open to all RNLI governors. Booking is essential, so please visit RNLI.org/AGM2019.

Can you help stop drowning in Bangladesh?

In Bangladesh, drowning is a leading killer of children, claiming 40 lives every day. The country has 700 rivers and around 5,000 miles of inland waterways, meaning children are only steps away from danger. Most children who drown do so within 20m of their home. Children aged 1–4 are particularly vulnerable and are most at risk between 9am–1pm, when parents are busy working. With paid-for childcare beyond reach for most people, families are faced with an impossible situation. Drowning is preventable and there are simple, low-cost, sustainable solutions. Community-led creches (anchals) provide a secure place for the youngest Bangladeshi children to play and learn, and access to a free anchal place reduces a child’s risk of drowning by 82%. Bangladesh’s existing pre-school creches cannot meet the need for young children to be kept safe and supervised, leaving thousands of under-5s at risk. So we’re working with the
Centre for Injury Prevention and Research, Bangladesh, and fundraising for anchals to protect thousands more children. Every public donation made in the UK during the appeal will be matched by the government. The appeal runs until 30 April 2019. To find out more and donate, visit RNLI.org/creches.

New Year Honours

Congratulations to our 10 RNLI people recognised in the 2019 New Year Honours for their contribution to saving lives at sea. Companion of the Order of Saint Michael and Saint George (CMG) Stuart Popham, RNLI Chair, is appointed a CMG for his work as chair of the Royal Institute of International Affairs (Chatham House) think tank. Queen’s Commendation for Bravery Joe Rowlands is recognised for his bravery in risking his own life to save his father’s when he lost consciousness after their kayak capsized last winter off of Anglesey. Joe was also awarded the Pride of Britain Teenager of Courage award in 2018. You can read about the rescue by Moelfre lifeboat crew at RNLI.org/rowlands. 

Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) Graham Drinkwater, Holyhead Lifeboat Operations Manager (LOM), is awarded an MBE for his dedication and commitment to the RNLI. He joined as shore crew at the age of 16, then as a crew member at 17. Graham’s first shout was to the Greek cargo ship Nafsiporos. This rescue earned him a Bronze Medal for Gallantry at the age of 19. Robbie Harris is a Port Talbot RNLI volunteer and is recognised for his dedication and service. Robbie recently stepped down as LOM after more than 34 years’ volunteering. Sue Webster is a Chair of the RNLI Port of Liverpool Fundraising Branch. Sue is recognised for her dedication to growing the branch and establishing a strong relationship between the RNLI and the people of Liverpool.

British Empire Medal (BEM) Evelyn Bennett, Chair of the Donaghadee Fundraising Branch, is awarded a BEM for her dedication, organising and fundraising. David Hayward, volunteer Visits Officer in Whitstable, is recognised for his work conducting school visits and helping to keep more people safe.
Archie Smith, a Vice President of the RNLI Council, is recognised for devoting more than 30 years to fundraising and strategic advice. John Soones, Community Safety Officer, is honoured for his efforts to prevent drowning along the Thames and to reduce suicide. Anne Speirs, Isle of Bute Branch Souvenir Secretary, is honoured for her work with Bute Museum and the RNLI.

Words: Anna Burn
Photos: Centre for Injury Prevention and Research, Bangladesh; Grange Tower Bridge Hotel; RNLI/Nathan Williams