GREAT Western Railway has teamed up with the Royal National Lifeboat Association to celebrate 200 years of the RNLI’s work saving lives.
The partnership will see new livery on a GWR trains and new safety messages in stations close to holiday destinations.
A special ceremony was held at London’s Paddington Station to unveil the new design, which included the RNLI 200 logo.
The Intercity Express Train 802008 was the train chosen to sport the new design, as it is named after the RNLB Solomon Browne in Penlee.
The boat was lost at sea on December 19, 1981, when it was launched to rescue the passengers and crew of the vessel Union Star.
Sixteen people died in the incident, including eight volunteer lifeboat crew.
Current members of the Penlee lifeboat crew were among those who attended the unveiling.
After it was revealed, the 802008 performed the 10:04 service to Penzance, where it was greeted by colleagues and volunteers from both GWR and RNLI.
GWR Customer Services Director Rachel Geliamassi said:
“Much like ourselves, the RNLI has a long and proud history and we wanted to pay our own special thanks to an organisation responsible for saving more than 146,000 lives over the past 200 years.
“The railway celebrates its own 200th anniversary next year and, with the Great Western Railway serving so many fantastic coastal destinations, it is fitting we have been able to form this very special partnership with the RNLI.
“The safety of our customers is always of paramount importance, and we’re pleased to be able to help the RNLI in spreading their safety messages further by reminding people about the dangers of the sea.”
British naturalist, explorer and TV presenter Steve Backshall worked with the RNLI’s Water Safety Team to record the announcements that will be played at regular intervals on the station platforms
Mr Backshall said: “As a family we take every opportunity to enjoy the water, so I have always had an admiration and respect for the RNLI’s lifeboat crews and lifeguards, and everything they do to keep people safe at the coast.
“Catching people as they get off the train is a perfect opportunity to advise and remind them of how they can stay safe while enjoying our wonderful coastline with their friends and family.
“Simple tips such as; head to a lifeguarded beach, swim between the red and yellow flags, and instructions on how to raise the alarm if they see someone in difficulty, and how to help yourself by using the Float to Live technique.”
Adrian Carey, RNLI Head of Region for the south-west, said: “As a charity the RNLI has been saving lives at sea for 200 years, through its rescue service and sharing water safety messages with the public about how to enjoy being on and around the water.
“Kickstarting a long-term partnership with Great Western Railway with the stunning new livery and water safety announcements is an exciting opportunity for the charity to share our important water safety messages with rail users across the GWR network and has the potential to save lives.
“It’s wonderful to have Steve, who is a long-time ambassador for the RNLI, and his sense of adventure and passion for enjoying the outdoors come through as he delivers the important safety announcements. His instantly recognisable voice will be sure to inspire beach goers and water users to take those extra steps to ensure they enjoy their time at the coast safely.”
