RNLI reveals just how busy it was in Blackpool last year

Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) lifeboats in Blackpool launched 84 times in 2016.
A 2010 picture, released by the RNLI, when its two new lifeboats were launchedA 2010 picture, released by the RNLI, when its two new lifeboats were launched
A 2010 picture, released by the RNLI, when its two new lifeboats were launched

It means volunteers at the charity, which relies solely on public donations, went out on emergency calls once every four days on average.

Behind only Sunderland, which saw 100 launches, it was the second busiest lifeboat station in the north.

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Tynemouth was third with 75, Humber had 67, and Fleetwood had 55.

RNLI Lifesaving manager Darren Lewis said: “In 2016, our charity’s lifeboat crews and lifeguards in the north saved 64 lives.

“The figures show immense dedication by our volunteer lifesavers but the increase in lifeboat launches and incidents dealt with by our lifeguards highlights the need for people to be extra vigilant in or around water.”