As a part of the celebrations for the RNLI's 200th anniversary, various groups will come together along the river, to get 200 boats, canoes, kayaks and other crafts out on the water, outside Hampton Court.  

This event will take place on Saturday the 6th of July at 6pm, with RNLI hoping to achieve the goal of 200 crafts on the river within the hour.  

The aim to get 200 crafts on the river comes as part of wider celebrations for the RNLI's anniversary.  

The fundraising event has been organised by multiple Scout groups from along the Thames as well as Teddington RNLI themselves.  

Local enthusiasm for the event is clear, reflected by Richard Hunt, Group Scout Leader, 1st Cuddington (Warspite) Sea Scouts, who commented: "The Thames-based Sea Scouts are thrilled to be part of this important celebration. We wanted to celebrate the RNLI anniversary in a way that showed how many people enjoy the river and the importance of the charity."  

Further celebrations for 200 years of the RNLI have gone on throughout the year, with the Teddington RNLI running a 200km relay around Lock Island in 24 hours last month, as well as a 50-mile row of a century-old boat a month earlier.  

This weekend's spectacle can be seen to be one of the grandest gestures towards the RNLI's 200 year heritage yet, with Jon Barker, Teddington crew member since the lifeboat station's opening in 2002, saying: "This will be a fantastic way to celebrate 200 years of the RNLI.  

"Teddington RNLI lifeboat station covers the stretch of river from Molesey Lock to Richmond Lock and to gather 200 craft in front of such a historic site will be a true spectacle." 

Teddington RNLI is one of 4 RNLI stations on the Thames, launching its lifeboats 96 times last year.  

Money raised by their events goes towards the RNLI's continued operations on the Thames.  

Donations can be made here.