Making waves: how Royal William Yard is championing water safety with the RNLI
At Royal William Yard, our waterfront location brings both opportunity and responsibility. Surrounded by the historic waters of Plymouth Sound, we recognise the vital importance of water safety.
We’re proud to be working alongside the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and Plymouth Lifeboat Station to raise awareness, celebrate their incredible work, and support their life-saving mission. In this article, we’re sharing how our ongoing partnership with the RNLI is helping to make the waterfront at Royal William Yard safer for everyone.
Celebrating 200 years of heroism
2024 marked the RNLI's 200th anniversary. To honour this milestone, Royal William Yard hosted a day of celebrations in March that brought the community together to witness the work of this vital charity.
Four RNLI lifeboats took pride of place in our marina, including the Severn class all-weather lifeboat – the largest vessel in the RNLI fleet. Against the backdrop of our waterfront, visitors watched live sea rescue demonstrations that showcased the skill and bravery of the crews who risk their lives to save others.
Families had the opportunity to board the boats and meet the volunteer crews face-to-face. There was also a moving flotilla procession across Plymouth Hoe, accompanied by a rescue helicopter – a powerful reminder of the coordinated effort that goes into every rescue operation.
Beyond the spectacle on the water, the celebrations extended across the Yard. Children tried on specially made lifeboat crew uniforms, while families explored our RNLI-themed trail, uncovering fascinating facts about the charity's history. The presence of the RNLI fundraising team, Coastguard Rescue Team, and Dartmoor Search and Rescue demonstrated the collaborative network that keeps our waters safe.
A partnership that goes beyond events
Building safer waters together
Our partnership has produced tangible improvements to water safety at Royal William Yard. Working with RNLI experts, we've developed a dedicated water safety page on the RWY website, ensuring visitors have access to crucial safety information before they enjoy our waterfront spaces.
The RNLI team have also conducted comprehensive audits of our life-saving equipment and provided professional guidance on best practices. We're constantly reviewing our water safety training for Yard businesses to make sure our entire community is equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to respond effectively in emergency situations.
Our commitment to this partnership continues with our next RNLI Open Day scheduled for Sunday 17th August, with more water rescue demonstrations, comprehensive safety advice, and opportunities to explore the lifeboats up close.
Close connections
Our partnership feels particularly meaningful given Plymouth's historic connection to the RNLI. As one of the first places on the British coast to have a lifeboat, Plymouth has played a pivotal role since the RNLI's founding in 1824. This legacy of maritime rescue adds depth to our collaboration and reminds us that water safety has been a community responsibility for centuries.
Not only this, the RNLI celebrated its 200th anniversary in 2024, whilst Royal William Yard marks its own 200th anniversary this year. Two maritime icons coming of age together, their parallel journeys reflecting Britain's enduring relationship with the sea and the communities that depend on it.
Interestingly, the RNLI's reach has always extended far beyond coastal communities – even in Urban Splash's hometown of Manchester. The charity's first Lifeboat Saturday on 10th October 1891 saw lifeboats from Southport and Lytham St Anne's paraded through the streets of Manchester, where thousands gathered to witness something extraordinary. This early fundraising innovation demonstrates the RNLI's understanding that saving lives at sea requires support from communities across the entire country.
Making a real difference
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