RNLI boss speaks at Salisbury, Wilton and District fundraising branch event

Monday, 24 March 2025 06:00

Over 60 volunteers and supporters of RNLI were treated to an inspiring and enthusiastic talk by Peter Sparkes, Chief Executive of the charity.

The event was the highlight of an evening held jointly between the Salisbury, Wilton and District fundraising branch and the local Blue Peter Yacht Club, including the RNLI branch’s annual general meeting and the yacht club’s fitting-out supper.

Peter carried out a full review of the RNLI’s current operations and has set out a pathway for the organisation's development as it enters its third century. He highlighted some changes in how people access the waters around our shores.

The RNLI’s main purpose is ‘Saving Lives at Sea’, which it has carried out for many years using a mix of small inshore and large offshore lifeboats. As an increasing number of people use our coastline for swimming, windsurfing, paddle boards etc., the emphasis has changed to rescuing people who have set off from shore rather than boats getting into trouble far from the coast. 98% of all responses are to incidents less than 10 miles from shore, and only 0.5% are more than 25 miles out.

There are two key elements that will be used in the future strategy of the RNLI.

Firstly, more education is needed on water safety for swimmers and small boat/board users before or at the start of their visit to the seashore. This is carried out by RNLI water safety advisors and lifeguards.

Secondly, changes to the configuration of the charity’s lifeboat fleet to enhance the RNLI’s ability to reach those in trouble closer to the shore.

Peter praised the efforts of the local fundraising branch and, in particular, Ray Stedman, retiring at the meeting after 13 years as chair of the branch. Peter Sparkes presented Ray with the RNLI Excellence in Volunteering Award for his work for the organisation. The Navy Larks sea shanty choir also performed in his honour.

Jeff Sutherland-Kay was elected as Interim Chair of the branch, and Matthew Sykes was elected as Vice-Chair.