RNLI Penarth Lifeboat Station has released a touching new festive video celebrating the dedication of its volunteer crew, retail team and fundraising supporters. Set to the atmospheric track Adrift by Hollow Coves, the short film is a beautiful snapshot of the people who keep Penarth safe on the water year round.

Shot entirely around the town and along the coastline, the video montage captures crew members training, preparing equipment, launching the lifeboat and working together as one. Alongside them are the retail and fundraising volunteers whose efforts help keep the service operational. Together, they form the heart of the station’s message this year.

Sharing the video, the lifeboat station said: “We want to thank the community for all of their support and have come together as One Crew in this festive video.”

They also reminded residents that, as always, the team will be on call 24/7 throughout the entire Christmas period, ready to respond whenever help is needed.

A proud history of lifesaving in Penarth

Penarth’s connection with the RNLI stretches back to the 19th century. The original Penarth lifeboat station opened in 1861, serving the busy Bristol Channel with a wooden, oar-powered boat launched from the town’s original slipways. Although the station closed in 1908 following changes to local maritime routes, Penarth’s lifesaving spirit never disappeared.

The modern RNLI Penarth Lifeboat Station was re-established in 1980 to meet the growing need for coastal rescue in an area known for challenging tides and unpredictable conditions. Today, the volunteer crew operate two inshore lifeboats, respond to emergencies across the Severn Estuary, and work closely with neighbouring stations to keep our coastline safe.

From major search-and-rescue missions to helping those caught by the tide, the team have become a vital and much-loved part of the community. Their commitment, courage and willingness to drop everything when the pager sounds are at the core of the station’s identity.

Supporting the volunteers

The festive video is a reminder not only of the crew’s skills and dedication, but of the community that supports them. Every donation, every purchase in the shop, and every hour volunteered helps keep the lifeboat launching.

Those who wish to support the station can do so via their JustGiving page: www.justgiving.com/page/rnlipenarth2025

You can watch the full video here: