Fleetwood RNLI cancels annual Lifeboat Day
With many big events cancelled this year, due to the on-going Coronavirus pandemic, the volunteers down at Fleetwood lifeboat, have also reluctantly decided to cancel the biggest day of their year, Lifeboat Day.
The event which was to take place on 4 July and which draws large crowds each year, is the lifeboat volunteers’ opportunity to thank the local community for their continued support as well as raise much needed funds to help the charity continue to save lives at sea.
Other dates were considered, to enable the event to be postponed until later in the year, but due to tides and other potential problems, this was not possible.
Speaking of the cancellation, Ken Harcombe, Fleetwood RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer said: ‘It is with enormous regret that we have decided to cancel this year’s Lifeboat Day. We know our lifeboat volunteers look forward to the event every year and it is always fantastic to meet up with family, friends, supporters and retired volunteers of the station. However, the uncertainty as to how long the pandemic will continue means despite it being a difficult decision to cancel, we know it is the right thing to do to safeguard everyone involved including those who attend and our own volunteers. Now more than ever we will instead look forward to planning next year’s open day at a time when it is safe to do so.’
During the Coronavirus pandemic, Fleetwood RNLI remain on call 24/7 and volunteers are ready to rescue anyone in danger at sea. However, the pandemic also means that the charity cannot fund raise as normal and essential funds are falling. During this time, the RNLI would be grateful to those who can, to fund raise from home or donate to help save lives at sea. The RNLI’s annual Mayday Appeal is now live. To find our more or to make a donation, log onto rnli.org/Mayday
Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 142,700 lives.
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