Teddington RNLI have revealed its crew launched lifeboats 96 times last year, as part of its 2023 round-up.

Calls to the station can come at any time, but in 2023 they were more common in the spring and summer (53%) and on Fridays and Sundays (43%)

Matt Allchurch, Lifeboat Station Operations Manager said, "We have had another busy year and I feel incredibly proud of all that our crew has done – on and off the water.

"We truly feel part of the Teddington community and would like to thank all those who have supported us this year, with a special mention to Hilary Saw. We all hope for a happy, peaceful and safe 2024 for our crew, supporters and local friends."

Watch the video here.

Water safety and education teams met a total of nearly 20,000 school children, scouts, rowers, paddle-boarders and other river users to give them vital advice on their own safety and that of those around them.

120 lifejackets were inspected at the free lifejacket clinics, where nearly half of those checked were found faulty.

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One of 2023's high spots was the arrival of a new lifeboat, the Alderman Penny Shelton, kindly donated by generous local benefactor, Hilary Saw.

The old boat is part of the station conversion to electric vehicles. It will be refurbished and fitted with an electric motor – before coming back to Teddington to be trialled on behalf of RNLI nationally. Meanwhile, an electric tractor will replace the diesel-powered existing vehicle.

The Teddington RNLI Lifeboat Station is part of the local community. Its crew attends the Village Fair, River Festival, Christmas Lights Up and more. Donations at these 45 events in 2023, as well as retail, directly and through legacies raised over £34,000, helping keep Teddington RNLI afloat.

The dedication of the 30 plus volunteer crew was highlighted on New Year's Eve when six volunteer crew left their own celebrations to launch two lifeboats to rescue someone in trouble in the Thames.

If you see someone in trouble on the water, act like local New Year 'heroes', dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.