Aberdeen RNLI opens its doors for rare family-friendly Open Day

Visitors are encouraged to join the local RNLI crew for a fun-filled family day, where they can experience the lifesaving work of the RNLI and other emergency service agencies in the local area.

For those eager to explore Aberdeen RNLI's remarkable assets, the crew will be offering tours of all-weather lifeboat, Bon Accord, renowned for its incredible life-saving capabilities in the local area. Visitors will have the chance to explore inshore lifeboat, Buoy Woody 85N, getting a closer look at the essential equipment used in life-saving missions.

Among the agencies attending this special occasion are the Scottish Fire Service, Police Scotland, Scottish Ambulance Service, and the Coastguard. Each agency will showcase their essential contributions to public safety, offering an incredible opportunity for the public to learn more about their work.

The details of who will be attending are currently being finalised and are subject to availability, but in previous years, the opportunity to explore service vehicles and speak to vital emergencies services, including the volunteer crew at Aberdeen lifeboat station, has been a crowd pleaser. Also expected to make an appearance is the local volunteer crew – and boat – from Stonehaven RNLI lifeboat station.

Ice cream, tea, coffee and cakes will be available, as well as a BBQ run by the local crew. Card payments will be available, but the RNLI does recommend taking cash as well. Aberdeen RNLI fundraisers will be selling RNLI merchandise and funds raised will go aid the RNLI to continue its mission to save lives at sea, 24/7, 365 days a year. Please note, that as the lifeboat station is in a commercial harbour, there is no onsite parking available, but it is a short walk from the beach leisure park.

The RNLI is not a government agency and operates entirely on charitable contributions, making the Open Day an excellent opportunity for the public to understand the vital role they play in safeguarding lives along the coast.

Aberdeen RNLI said: "We are thrilled to host this Open Day and welcome families and community members to discover the invaluable work of the RNLI and our partner agencies. It's a fantastic occasion to meet our dedicated lifeboat crew, learn about volunteer opportunities, and experience the equipment and boats used during life-saving operations."

Join Aberdeen RNLI for this memorable event on 20^th August and celebrate the efforts of the RNLI and our fellow emergency service agencies. The Open Day promises to be a truly enlightening experience for all ages, as we come together to raise awareness about water safety and show our support for those who protect our shores.

ENDS

Notes to editors

• Aberdeen lifeboat station has been operating since 1802. To learn more about the lifeboat station visit https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeboat-stations/aberdeen-lifeboat-station
• Aberdeen lifeboat station operates a Severn class all-weather lifeboat, Bon Accord, and D class inshore lifeboat, Buoy Woody 85N.

RNLI media contacts (in order of contact)

Jamee Kirkpatrick, (Volunteer) Lifeboat Press Officer - Aberdeen, 07521304409, [email protected]

Natasha Bennett, RNLI Regional Media Officer for Scotland, 07826 900639, [email protected]

Martin Macnamara, RNLI Regional Media Manager for Scotland, 07920 365929, [email protected]

RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789

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.