Local RNLI lifeboat crews to feature in BBC show ‘Saving Lives at Sea’ next week

The volunteer Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) lifeboat crews from Hoylake and New Brighton will feature in the first episode of the new series of popular TV show Saving Lives at Sea when it airs on BBC Two next week.

Featuring footage captured on helmet and boat cameras, viewers can watch dramatic rescues through the eyes of the RNLI crews while meeting the people behind the pagers and those rescued by the charity’s lifesavers.

The popular 10-part documentary is now in its eighth series and includes the lifesaving work of RNLI lifeguards and volunteer lifeboat crews from around the UK and Ireland.

The series launches on Thursday 28 September at 8pm on BBC Two and will be available on BBC iPlayer following broadcast.

Including interviews with lifeboat crews and lifeguards, the series will also hear from the rescuees and their families who, thanks to crew members, are here to tell the tale.

This first episode on Thursday 28 September includes Hoylake and New Brighton RNLI crews in the rescue of a lone walker trapped in mud on a dangerous stretch of the Sefton coast, which saw a major multi-agency response from the emergency services. The dramatic incident is included alongside rescue stories from other stations and beaches around our coasts.

Dave Noble, volunteer crew member at Hoylake RNLI who features in the upcoming episode, said:

“Our lifesaving work would not be possible without donations from the public and we’re really delighted to be able to share a frontline view of the rescues they support with their generosity.”

‘We hope audiences enjoy seeing how our crew worked closely with colleagues at New Brighton RNLI, the coastguard, fire and ambulance services to bring someone from danger. It’s a privilege to be featured and to talk about the amazing work of everyone involved in saving lives at sea.’

In 2022, RNLI lifeboat crews around the UK and Ireland launched 9,312 times, saving 389 lives, while the charity’s lifeguards aided 23,204 people and saved 117 lives on some of the UK’s busiest beaches.

If you get inspired to volunteer by the series, there are a variety of roles available from lifeboat crew and fundraiser to lifeguard and shop volunteer.

Find out more on the RNLI website here.