Earlier this afternoon (21/12), The Boat Race Company Ltd. (BRCL) announced The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) as the official charity partner for The Boat Race 2022.

At this year’s event on Sunday 3rd April, RNLI will be providing safety boat cover for the participating crews and a lifeguard rescue service across the whole of the Championship Course in London.

Since 2002, the RNLI’s Chiswick Lifeboat Station has supported The Gemini Boat Race with its E-class lifeboat, keeping the Cambridge University Boat Club (CUBC) and Oxford University Boat Club (OUBC) competitors safe, as well as the thousands of spectators that line the Thames’ banks on Race day. The crew were also on hand yesterday (20/12) to monitor CUBC Men’s Trial VIIIs race.

The partnership between BRCL and RNLI first took place back in 2019, with the aim of increasing awareness of the institution’s flagship ‘Float to Live’ drowning prevention campaign. This year, the RNLI’s Community Safety team will also be working with venues and schools along the course to provide lifesaving water safety training and encourage familiarity with throw lines.

The partnership aims to raise funds to support the four RNLI stations situated on the stretch of the river, with all proceeds going towards their running costs.

BRCL Chair Tim Senior spoke of the partnership with excitement: “We are delighted to be partnering with the RNLI again, given their role in supporting the delivery of the event and in ensuring that our athletes, Race spectators, river users, and our staff experience the Race in safe and secure conditions.” He continued: “RNLI’s charitable remit, specifically in providing a water safety programme and engaging marginalised communities, strongly aligns with our Better Shared Future focus on education and helping young people.”

Wayne Bellamy, Station Manager of the RNLI Chiswick Lifeboat Station, also said: “The 2022 Gemini Boat Race will be the 20th time my Lifeboat Crew and I have supported the competitors and kept the spectators safe. It also happens to be RNLI Chiswick’s 20th birthday year, which is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate our partnership as the official charity of The Gemini Boat Race.”

The 76th Women’s and 167th Men’s Boat Race will take place on Sunday 3rd April next year, with the former starting at 14:23 and the latter scheduled to begin at 15:23.