Family of Haydn Griffiths pay tribute with memorial bench at Hoylake RNLI
The family of a man who lost his life while swimming off the Wirral coast have commemorated his memory with a new bench at an RNLI lifeboat station which took part in the search for him.
Haydn Griffiths was just 23 when he tragically drowned after taking to the water in July 2022. Volunteer lifeboat crews from Hoylake, New Brighton and West Kirby RNLI took part in the multi-agency search for him.
Since that day, Haydn’s sisters Megan and Brogan have made it their mission to prevent other families going through the same loss. They have helped the RNLI through fundraising and by launching their own water safety campaign: Stay Safe for Haydn.
The memorial bench was commissioned by Haydn’s family and has been placed outside Hoylake RNLI lifeboat station, allowing the volunteer crew and visitors to sit and reflect while looking out to sea. The bench design acknowledges Haydn’s love for nature and features two hand-carved owls.
Megan and Brogan recently visited Hoylake RNLI lifeboat station to see the bench and have now placed a plaque which reads: ‘Your life was a blessing, your memory is a treasure. Take a deep breath, relax and enjoy the sunset. Respect nature and stay safe. #staysafeforhaydn.’
Megan Griffiths said: ‘We’re incredibly grateful to the RNLI crews at Hoylake, New Brighton, and West Kirby for their determination and support during the search for Haydn. To now have a special memory bench for Haydn, overlooking the sea at Hoylake RNLI feels very special, not only for our family, but for all those who losing Haydn has affected.’
‘The owl carvings felt right for Haydn as he loved nature (and the sea!). James at Acorn Woodcraft carved the owls and created the bench, especially made to be situated at Hoylake RNLI in Haydn’s memory. We hope the bench becomes a place where people can pause, take in the view, breathe the fresh sea air and reflect - a peaceful spot for crew and visitors alike to sit, remember Haydn’s story and share water safety messages that could one day save a life.’
Brogan Griffiths said: ‘I’m excited to visit with my two sons (we call them little Griffs). It’s in a beautiful location where we will be able to talk about Uncle Haydn, educate them on water safety and keeping safe at the beach whilst also visiting our friends at the RNLI.’
‘Haydn loved nature which is why we opted for a hand carved owl bench. We hope that many people are able to enjoy sitting here, talk about Haydn’s story and continue to share water safety messages far and wide.’
Howie Owen, Hoylake RNLI Coxswain, said: ‘It’s a privilege for our lifeboat station to host Haydn’s memorial bench. Many of the volunteer crew here were part of the multi-agency effort to try and find him and the bench is fantastic tribute to his memory. We’re so grateful for everything his family have done to raise awareness around water safety and the lifesaving work of the RNLI.’
Hear more about Megan and Brogan’s campaigning water safety work recorded for the RNLI’s 200 Voices podcast in Megan and Brogan Griffiths: Haydn’s Legacy, wherever you get your podcasts or by visiting RNLI.org/200Voices.
Media contacts
For more information, please contact:
Dan Whiteley, Hoylake RNLI Lifeboat Press Officer on 07799 851 316 or email [email protected]
Claire Fitzpatrick-Smith, RNLI Regional Communications Manager on 07977 728 315 or email [email protected]
RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789
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The RNLI is the charity that 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 146,700 lives.
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