Santa spreads joy at Hoylake RNLI

Hoylake RNLI lifeboat station was full of festive spirit as Santa spread joy to fundraise for lifesavers.

Father Christmas welcomed around 400 visitors on his visit to the Wirral coast, supported by his elves and RNLI mascot Stormy Stan. Families from across the local community had their photos taken with Santa, with children donning RNLI helmets and lifejackets similar to those worn by lifeboat crews.

Hoylake RNLI’s Water Safety Team were also at the event to share essential water safety advice with the young guests, helping them to keep safe on and around the water. Visitors also had the opportunity to view the station’s all-weather Shannon class lifeboat and Inshore Rescue Hovercraft.

Generous donations from visitors helped to raise £383.47 in support of the charity’s lifesaving mission over the Christmas period.

Santa himself will be busy responding to letters delivered to the station’s special Christmas post box, built by volunteer Rob Davis. Every child will receive a personal reply from the North Pole.

Hoylake RNLI santa — RNLI/James Whiteley

Brian Jordan, Hoylake RNLI Lifeboat Visits Officer, said:

‘It was wonderful to see so many families enjoying the festive atmosphere at the lifeboat station as we welcomed our special visitor for the first time. Father Christmas was thrilled to meet so many local children and we’re always heartened to see the fantastic support from our community for our volunteers and their lifesaving work.’

Howie Owen, Hoylake RNLI Coxswain, said:

‘We’re hugely grateful for our community’s support, especially through the winter months ahead. The kind donations from our visitors will help fund vital equipment, kit and training so our volunteer crew can respond to emergencies around coast. We wish everyone a happy and safe Christmas.’

RNLI lifeboat crews across the UK and Ireland will be on call 24/7 throughout the Christmas period. On average, RNLI lifeboats launch over 100 times during the Christmas period every year. In 2024, Hoylake RNLI’s volunteers were called out on Christmas Eve.

Whatever winter weather throws at them, RNLI volunteers will be ready to battle the elements to save lives at sea. These rescues, and others all year round, are only made possible by the RNLI’s generous supporters. Your own Christmas gift to the RNLI will keep the charity’s crews prepared and protected, helping to fund the essential kit, training and equipment.