RHYL lifeboat launched 52 times in 2022.

This made it the busiest station in North Wales. Moelfre RNLI on Anglesey closely followed with 48 times. 

Rhyl was the busiest station in North Wales in 2021. The crew launched 74 times in 2021 and assisted 89 people.

Llandudno Lifeboat launched 29 times in 2022, compared to 33 times in 2021, and Conwy launched 35, compared to 30 times in 2021.

The operational figures for 2022 were released on Thursday, March 23 by the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI). The figures, from 30 stations around the Welsh coast, show lifeboat launches have risen more than the national average.

Overall, in Wales, RNLI lifeboats launched 1,145 times in 2022, compared with 1,057 launches in 2021. Nationally, RNLI lifeboats launched over 9,300 times in 2022 – an increase of five per cent on the previous year.

The most common cause of a lifeboat launch in Wales in 2022 was to motorboats in trouble, which had risen from 116 incidents in 2021.

People in the water requiring assistance was the second most common reason for a launch rising from 134 launches in 2021 to 140 in 2022.

The busiest station in Wales was The Mumbles where lifeboats launched 110 times, up from 95 in 2021

NEWSLETTER

Get the latest stories from the Rhyl, Prestatyn and Abergele area sent straight to your inbox by signing up here

The RNLI is now putting out its own Mayday call.

With high numbers of visitors expected over the summer, as people continue to holiday closer to home, more funds are needed to ensure the lifesaving service is able to keep everyone safe.

A host of events are planned to raise money.

Rhyl RNLI’s Duck Race will take place on May 1 in Dyserth. Abersoch are following suit with a Duck Race on May 8 and Holyhead RNLI are organising a car wash on May 13. Moelfre RNLI are organising a Dog Walk on May 29 commencing at 1pm from the primary school and finishing at Seawatch where refreshments and cake will be served.

At Flint, there will be a Mayday bike ride on May 20, and it’ll be eyes down for the Colwyn Bay branch on May 26 when they host a bingo Mayday event.

Faye Maher, RNLI Regional Engagement Lead for Wales said: ‘‘Summer is our busiest time of year, with thousands of people at risk of getting into danger by the water. Ordinary people just enjoying days out with family or friends.

RELATED STORIES

"Mayday is our own call for help, as we rely on the generosity of the public to take part in events like the Mayday Mile and raise the funds that allow us to be there when we’re needed most. But we need to be ready. Training, kit, stations, fuel … these are just some of the things we need to save lives, and that your fundraising can help provide."

The Mayday Mile challenges supporters to cover one mile. Fundraisers can opt to hop, skip, walk or run.

Ms Maher added: "It’s clear from these new figures that demand for our services is continuing to rise, with our lifesavers dropping everything to run to the lifeboat station when the call comes.

"Every penny raised during Mayday will go towards ensuring we are ready to save even more lives this year."

To sign up for the Mayday Mile, or to make a donation in support of the RNLI’s lifesavers, visit RNLI.org/supportMayday