Dad and Daughter on call this Christmas at Flint RNLI

Flint RNLI lifeboat crew, including a father and daughter duo represent one of the multi-generational families who dedicate their time and commitment to ensuring the charity’s lifesaving service continues over Christmas.

The service has been ongoing for nearly 200 years, as the charity launches its annual Christmas Appeal.

On average, RNLI lifeboats are launched over 100 times during the Christmas period each year.

Regardless of the winter weather, RNLI crews are always prepared to confront the elements to save lives at sea.

These rescues, along with others throughout the year, are possible thanks to the RNLI’s generous supporters. They help fund the vital gear, training, and equipment needed by the lifeboat crews.

Christmas is a time for families and sharing stories about past times and generations.

For the Brown family in Flint, these stories often include tales of lifesaving.

Erin Brown, aged 18, received her pager earlier this year after completing her initial training. She was eager to continue the family’s tradition of service.

Her father, Peter, has been a volunteer crew member and helmsman at Flint Lifeboat Station for 8 years.

He followed in the footsteps of his father, also named Peter Brown, who volunteered for Flint Rescue Boat. His service continued when the RNLI took over in 1966.

Changes made:

[Peter Brown, the first generation of the Brown family to volunteer at Flint – Image provided by the Brown family]

Erin Brown said: ‘I always knew I wanted to be the next generation of the Brown family to join the crew, I grew up hearing stories of the RNLI and supporting during fundraising events.

‘This is my Christmas on call, and should the call arise over the Christmas period, my dad and I are prepared to set aside the festive celebrations.

‘There’s no feeling quite like bringing someone home safe to their families – especially at Christmas. But as volunteer lifeboat crew we couldn’t launch without kind donations from the public which fund the kit, training and equipment we need to save others and get home safely to our own families.’

As 2023 draws to a close, next year is set to be a big year for the lifesaving charity as it prepares to mark it’s 200^th anniversary on 4 March 2024. It’s stories like Erin following in the footsteps of her father and grandfather that we hope will inspire the next generation of lifesavers.

Erin added: ‘You feel a part of something bigger when you join the RNLI, people coming together to help save others.

‘Next year is an exciting moment in our history and it’s amazing to look back just a couple of generations, to when my grandad was volunteering for Flint Rescue Boat, and see how far we’ve come with all the developments in lifesaving equipment, training and knowledge.

‘I hope other people are inspired by what we do and how they can help support the RNLI so we can continue to save lives for the next 200 years.’

To make a donation to the RNLI’s Christmas Appeal, and enable the charity to continue its lifesaving work, visit: RNLI.org/WinterAppeal.