New Brighton RNLI Tea Party interrupted by call for help
A fundraising tea party day at New Brighton RNLI was interrupted twice by the sound of the pagers as volunteer crews were tasked.
On Monday (6 May) New Brighton RNLI's bank holiday got off to an early start as the volunteer crew were tasked just after 8am to assist with an ongoing incident in Rockferry, at which HM Coastguard and marine fire units were already responding. The incident was concluded and all units stood down just after 10am, in time for the B class Atlantic 85 lifeboat to return to station and finish preparations for New Brighton RNLI's fundraising event.
The tea party event was a great success, with homemade cakes, craft stalls, RNLI 200 anniversary souvenirs, games, and entertainment from the excellent Liverpool Shanty Kings.
Amid the festivities the pager sounded once more, just after 12.45pm. RNLI lifeguards had been monitoring a group of paddle boarders heading out to sea and had requested New Brighton RNLI when they became concerned for the group’s safety.
Once on scene, the lifeboat crew checked the welfare of the paddle boarders and provided some safety advice. Satisfied that the group were safe, they returned to station to wash down, prepare for service once again, and have some well-earned cake.
Bruno Verdier, New Brighton RNLI crew member, said:
‘It was a lovely day at the station and everyone was enjoying the festivities when we were tasked. Thankfully, the paddle boarders had planned for their trip out – they were all wearing life jackets and carrying phones in waterproof pouches, which was great to see.
'And I was delighted to see that nobody had eaten my muffin by the time we got back to station!’
If you are heading out on the water this summer, always wear a life jacket and carry a means of calling for help. If you find yourself in distress, or see anybody else struggling, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
Notes to Editors:
New Brighton RNLI was established in 1863 in the bustling seaside resort of New Brighton, on the northeast corner of the Wirral peninsula. They cover the River Mersey and out into the Irish Sea.
The station is home to a B-class Atlantic 85 lifeboat, one of the fastest in the RNLI fleet. The crews at New Brighton have been presented with a remarkable 48 awards for gallantry to date.
Connor Wray – Lifeboat Press Officer (LPO)
07756553092
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