Last days to walk Exmouth RNLI’s coxswains Welly Trail before new trail launches
Over the past year, visitors to Exmouth have been able to learn about the history of all the Exmouth RNLI lifeboat coxswains over the two hundred years of the RNLI by following the famous yellow RNLI wellies across the town.
Participants of all ages have able to learn about the coxswains at each checkpoint on their trail guide, which was put together by Carolyn Stupples and Ian Rick, who both volunteer at Exmouth RNLI station. By scanning the QR codes at each checkpoint, Exmouth’s volunteer coxswains have been celebrated, and families have been able to explore the town along the way.
On collecting a full set of names and a clue letter at each location, the trail sheets are returned to the RNLI shop at the lifeboat station, where they are awarded a certificate and a coveted yellow welly pin badge for their efforts.
Following the huge success of the Welly Trail, Carolyn and Ian are now working hard on a new trail to be launched on 1st May 2025 – MayDay – a particularly poignant word for all volunteers in the RNLI for its significance when used by vessels in trouble at sea.
Carolyn, Welly Trail co-ordinator and RNLI Exmouth shop Deputy Manager said, “The welly trail is a wonderful way to support the ongoing work of Exmouth RNLI station in saving lives at sea. The trail raises vital funds and is a great way to find out more about RNLI crew and the town of Exmouth. With the launch of a brand-new Welly Trail in a few weeks' time, this is the public’s last few weeks in which to learn more about the coxswains who have taken our lifesaving boats to sea over our two-hundred-year history.”
Ian, Welly Trail co-ordinator and RNLI shore crew added, “We would like to thank all our local supporters who sponsor the checkpoints for this trail. Their support has allowed us to put together an educational and fun activity for all which also raises vital funds for our work.”
Notes to editors
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Photo credits: Exmouth RNLI
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More information about the welly trail can be found at https://www.exmouthlifeboat.org.uk/the-welly-trail
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Welly trail guides can be found at a number of stockists, also at https://www.exmouthlifeboat.org.uk/the-welly-trail
RNLI media contacts
For more information please contact
Dawn Robinson, Exmouth RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 07565 424093 or
[email protected]
or
Emma Haines, Regional Media Officer on 07786 668847 or [email protected] or
contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.
Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,000 lives.
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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries
Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.