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Valero fuels another season of RNLI lifesaving

Members of the Tenby lifeboat crew thank Valero for its life-saving gift
Members of the Tenby lifeboat crew thank Valero for its life-saving gift
RNLI volunteers in Angle and Tenby have thanked Valero Pembroke Refinery, following another vital donation of fuel oil during the busy summer season. Valero’s annual donation has been a regular gift since 2005.
Figures recently released by the RNLI in support of a major drowning awareness campaign – “Respect the Water” – revealed that 65 lives were saved by Wales’s RNLI lifeboat crews and lifeguards during 2013. Last year, RNLI lifeboats from Tenby launched 72 times and rescued 47 people, whilst Angle lifeboats launched 40 times and rescued 48 people.
Lewis Creese, RNLI coxswain at Angle RNLI Lifeboat Station said: “Fuel is one of the RNLI charity’s greatest costs and naturally we see an increase in consumption during the summer months. During this time our volunteer crews are busier than ever saving lives at sea. The figures show the number of lives saved across Welsh coast, but without fuel we wouldn’t have been able to get to these people and bring them to safety – it’s a vital ingredient in what we do.
“The RNLI is also very grateful to K P Thomas fuel distribution for collecting the free fuel and delivering to both Tenby and Angle without charge.”
Valero public affairs manager, Stephen Thornton, commented: “Valero Pembroke Refinery has been proud to support the RNLI with donations of fuel since 2005. Safety is Valero’s number one priority, and whilst in Pembrokeshire we are very fortunate to be able to enjoy such a stunning coastline, we rely on the RNLI to help keep us and our families safe at sea. Providing free fuel is Valero’s way of paying tribute to the RNLI’s brave volunteers who keep people living, working and visiting Pembrokeshire safe all year round.”