£1700 raised at RNLI Weston-super-Mare Open Day
A showery day on Saturday 18th June saw crowds gather on the Weston Seafront to observe the volunteer RNLI lifeboat crew in action, demonstrating exercises both afloat and ashore.
The charity which is dedicated to saving lives at sea has been raising money towards its lifesaving operations, which are currently based in a temporary lifeboat station on Knightstone Plaza.
The Open Day was conducted at the lifeboat station and at the RNLI shop on Marine Lake. Information on the RNLI, Sea Safety advice and activities for the family were carried out at both sites, along with the afloat demonstrations which were put on at Anchor Head.
Although the weather forecast predicted rain for most of the day, the public were still out to support the charity and were treated to the afloat displays which show-cased a range of skills that the crews utilise in a variety of rescues. With the volunteer crew joined in Weston Bay by the lifeboats from RNLI Barry Dock and RNLI Burnham-on-Sea, the displays were carried out under grey skies, but thank-fully the rain held off for a good display to be put on for the enthused supporters.
The two Weston lifeboats were then brought ashore and put on static display on the Plaza, for the public to view, climb onboard, and ask questions of the crew. The volunteers were then joined by the crews from other emergency services who were keen to join in and display their own vehicles. Fire-engines, Police cars, Coastguard vehicles and the Fire-service hovercraft were all in attendance and on show.
Between the occasional rain showers, many visitors enjoyed a hot drink with a piece of cake for refreshment at the RNLI shop. There was also a range of activities to participate in, including a tombola, face painting and barbeque, along with plenty of browsing of the giftware in the shop.
Chris Cox, Lifeboat Crew, and organiser of the afloat demonstrations for the Open Day said ‘We are thankful for all the support and donations given by the public, which go towards helping us to continue saving lives at sea. Despite the weather, it was great to see so many people watching the afloat demonstrations, then visiting us ashore. To see everyone taking a keen interest in the work that we do, along with listening to the safety advice on offer is beneficial for the sea safety education that we promote’.
To find out how you can stay safe while enjoying your water activity, visit www.RespectTheWater.com
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.
Learn more about the RNLI
For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.
Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries
Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.