Great turn out for St Bees RNLI open day.
Despite the very windy conditions and the threat of rain a record number of people came down to the beach for St Bees RNLI’s open day and the annual West Cumbria Wildlife Trusts Festival of the Sea.
The poor weather and a possibility of rain did not put off the large number of people who visited the lifeboat station. The RNLI Ladies Guild were handing out teas and coffee from cups kindly donated by Hartley Beach Café. They were also giving out badges, stickers and leaflets on how to have fun and stay safe by the sea. The tombola proved very popular and longtime RNLI supporter Rob Foster was on duty selling raffle tickets.
St Bees RNLI volunteer crew were kept very busy throughout the day showing many people their lifeboat and tractor They also gave tours around the lifeboat station where everyone got a chance to see firsthand what happens when the pagers go off.
Stormy Stan the RNLI mascot came down to take part in the fun and have a look at some of the great sandcastles. He was kept that busy he had to have a rest in some of the deckchairs.
Dick Beddow St Bees RNLI Operations Manager said ‘It was lovely to see so many people down at the beach enjoying a great family day out and learning a little of how the RNLI at St Bees operates. We would like to thank everyone who came along and supported the event and look forward to welcoming them back again next year’.
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.