South Bucks RNLI branch celebrates 200 years of saving lives

Britain's lifeguarding service RNLI celebrates its 200th Anniversary, with events taking place across the country including in Buckinghamshire.

At the local branch in the south of the county, lifeguards attend callout to support those in need across open water, including on the river Thames and to food situations.

And since 1824, lifeguards have continued to carry out selfless acts of kindness to save lives at sea and in rivers.

Greatest Hits Radio caught up with the Chair of RNLI's South Buckinghamshire Branch, Michael Prager, on all things Anniversary, legacy, and the dangers of open water.

What is the legacy of 200 years of your organisation's voluntary service?

Mr Prager said: "We've been a volunteer organisation for 200 years, which is quite extraordinary, and we talk about the fact that we are one crew."

"If any part of that crew doesn't turn up for work, everything falls apart, it's an ecosystem."

The service has, however, survived two centuries and gone through wars and a pandemic, proving the success and vital role of lifeguards across coasts and rivers.

Mr Prager said: "We run 248 active stations around the country, we patrol over 900 beaches, and we don't take a penny from the public purse."

"It cost, in 2022, £188 million to run the RNLI, so it's a big machine and without public donations we wouldn't survive."

"The biggest, biggest, biggest thing is to inspire the next generation, because our real legacy will be that in 200 years time from now, somebody else would be doing what we're doing and we need to pass the bat on."

"Without volunteers we don't exist."

What are the main dangers of inland open water?

Mr Prager said: "The two big things in rivers are one, that they are very cold, and at given time they're colder than the sea temperatures and you won't last long in there."

"You get what's called cold water shock."

"The second thing is the current in the river on a calm day is running at four to six knots, and an Olympic swimmer probably couldn't swim a straight line across the river. You will get moved by the current and you can't fight that, you have to work with it."

What advice could you give in case someone is found struggling in open water?

Mr Prager said: "Rivers, seas, wherever, float to live. If you find yourself in the water, the first thing you're going to do is panic."

"Take a second, literally a second to get your bearings, then arms out, starfish pattern on your back and float."

"You breathe, your head's above water, and you can figure out what's happening."

"You start thrashing about in cold water, you'll be out of energy in minutes."

If a passer-by is available to help, the RNLI recommends calling emergency services who can locate the call and send out the appropriate teams who will work with lifeguards to remove them from the water safely.

To celebrate its anniversary, the RNLI has organised a series of events, activities, and fundraisers.