TWO lives were saved and 41 people were helped by Rhyl rescuers.

Latests figures from the RNLI show there were 1,100 lifeboat launches at Wales' 30 lifeboat stations in 2018.

In Conwy, there were 32 launches and 84 people were aided and in Llandudno, 96 casualties were helped.

The lifeboat launched 55 times in Rhyl. In 2017, the service launched 42 times and assisted 50 people.

Paul Frost, deputy 2nd Coxswain at Rhyl Lifeboat, said: "We have had an eventful year. Last year callouts took us further out, about 15 miles off shore. People are being more proactive and reactive. The safety message seems to be getting through.

"The demographic of callouts have changed. We have the lifeguards on the beach so they tend to help if there is someone in danger of being cut off from the tide. Callouts tend to be to small boats and fishing boats. A lot of time they are properly equipped, have safety jackets but get into difficulties.

"Community safety lead for Rhyl Brian Allen is part of the team, getting the safety message out."

The RNLI is calling on the public to support lifeboat crews across the country to tie in with Mayday, the charity’s national annual fundraising campaign.

The campaign, launching on Wednesday, May 1 and running throughout the month, uses the tagline 'do their bit, fund out kit'.

It is hoped £700,000 can be raised to fund crucial kit for volunteers such as lifejackets, helmets and yellow wellies.

Martin Jones, RNLI coxswain/mechanic at Rhyl Lifeboat Station, said: "RNLI volunteer crew drop everything to save those in trouble at sea when the pagers go off.

"Our lifeboat crew kit gives us confidence in all weathers and sea conditions and is vital to help make sure we return home safely to our families from every launch."

The busiest station in Wales during 2018 was Porthcawl with 112 launches. The volunteer crew also rescued more people than any other station across Wales - 144 people in total.

The most lives were saved by Criccieth RNLI with 10 people still alive today thanks to the crew coming to their aid.

There are a number of ways to raise money for Mayday including wearing wellies to work, doing a sponsored welly walk or a bake sale.

Rhyl Lifeboat Station will host an open day in support of Mayday on Monday, May 27.

A Mayday Supper, overlooking the Great Orme in Llandudno, will take place on May 8.

To register for a free fundraising pack, visit RNLI.org/Mayday

Earlier this year, a final £150.60 donation from Rhyl RNLI’s biggest fan, Darcey Payne-Burgoyne, aged five, closed the £150,000 community appeal towards the station’s Shannon class lifeboat.