THE RNLI Jersey team recently gathered for a “special” and “inspiring” photo marking the lifesaving charity’s 200th anniversary year.
Lifeboat crews, lifeguards, fundraisers, shop volunteers, the lifeboat management group – and even the organisation’s “Stormy Stan” mascot – were among those included in the “One Moment for One Crew” snap on Thursday.
The photograph will be uploaded to an online portal and used to create a montage image of all those involved with the RNLI, which was founded on 4 March 1824.
More than 600 lives have been saved by Jersey crews since then.
To recognise the special date, volunteers and staff from across the UK and Ireland were encouraged to take their photographs as close to 6.24pm (18:24) on 1 August (1.8.24).
It is one of a range of events and programmes which the charity has organised to mark its bicentenary, including a mural at Albert Pier, a Gala Ball, and a lifeboat station open day.
Anjie Rook, RNLI associate director, has been overseeing the 200th anniversary programmes.
She said the “One Moment for One Crew” photographic event would “capture a record of everyone who, at this moment in time, is playing some part in the RNLI’s lifesaving work, continuing its legacy and securing its future”.
She added: “During our 200th anniversary year we have been remembering our past, celebrating the lifesaving service we provide today, and aiming to inspire future generations of lifesavers and supporters.
“One Moment for One Crew is very much about celebrating the people of today’s RNLI and, we hope, inspiring those future generations who will take the RNLI into its third century of lifesaving.”
The RNLI was founded in a London tavern following an appeal from Sir William Hillary, who lived on the Isle of Man and witnessed many shipwrecks.
Now it operates 238 lifeboat stations around the UK and Ireland, including four on the River Thames, and has seasonal lifeguards on 238 lifeguarded beaches around the UK.
