Volunteer lifesavers are preparing to swap their sea boots for sponges as they look to break fundraising records ahead of their busiest season. Hoylake RNLI lifeboat station is inviting the public to its Mayday Car Wash on Sunday, May 17, to raise money for the charity’s work during the summer.
The crew will be scrubbing, rinsing, and polishing vehicles for a suggested donation of £10 per car. From 10am to 12.30pm, the volunteers will be donning their iconic yellow wellies at the station. They are aiming to exceed the record-breaking total of more than £1,700 donated by the community during last year's event.
The campaign comes as the RNLI releases rescue data from 2025, showing that lifeboats across Merseyside launched 107 times last year, an increase from 89 launches in 2024. At the Hoylake station alone, the volunteer crew launched 31 times, assisting 11 people and saving one person from drowning.
In total, RNLI lifeboat crews helped 8,290 people and saved 272 lives as the charity's lifeboats launched more than 9,000 times in 2025, making it the sixth-busiest year in the charity's history. Money raised through the event ensures that crews have the essential training and kit needed to respond to emergencies at any time of day or night.
Coxswain Calls for Community Support
Howie Owen, Hoylake RNLI coxswain, said: "Summer is our busiest time of year, when thousands of people head out to enjoy the coast. Unfortunately, some can find themselves unexpectedly in difficulty and needing the RNLI's help.
"Mayday is our own call for help. We rely on the public's generosity to support events like our Mayday Car Wash, which are so important for funding our crew’s lifesaving work. Your support will genuinely make a difference and keep people safe this summer."
For those unable to attend the car wash, the charity is also encouraging people to take part in the Mayday Mile. Participants can walk, run, or skip a mile every day throughout May to raise money. Sign up or find out more at rnli.org/SupportMayday.
Event Details
Location: Hoylake RNLI Lifeboat Station. Date: Sunday, May 17. Time: 10am to 12.30pm. Suggested donation: £10 per car.
