Minehead RNLI’s visits team stepping up the action
New visits schedule announced ahead of visit by PS WAVERLEY
Minehead RNLI’s boathouse has recently received a long-awaited and extensive refurbishment, with many benefits including a much-improved visitor experience.
As a result, the Visits team, consisting of 8 guides, has been busy telling visitors all about the history of Minehead RNLI, and how the modern station equipment and boats contribute to the volunteer crew’s lifesaving record.
Saving Lives at Sea has contributed hugely to public awareness of the work of the RNLI, and as a result more visitors than ever want to come and see the equipment, and to learn about the volunteer crew’s amazing work.
Interested parties are invited to visit Minehead Lifeboat Station on the historic Quay Street year-round on Saturdays and Tuesdays between 12pm and 4pm, when ad hoc tours are available. All of the Guides are fully trained in station protocol and safety, and with extensive knowledge about all aspects of the Lifeboat station, equipment and crew training.
During the summer tour hours are extended. Between 18th July and early September the Visits team are available for ad hoc visits on Saturdays, Tuesdays, & Thursdays between 11am and 4pm, and on Sundays from 1.30-4pm.
Tours are free, with donations invited.
Visitors can also see the crew launch on training exercises, most Sundays around 9am.
The Lifeboat Station will also be helping to welcome PS WAVERLEY, the world's last seagoing paddlesteamer, to Minehead, with extended availability for tours:
2-6pm on Sunday 2nd June, 12-6pm on Tuesday 4th June and 2-6pm on Thursday 20th June.
The station shop is open daily during the summer between 10.30am and 4.30pm. Visitors are welcome during these times to visit the shop, see the boats and learn a little about the station.
Ray Ventura from the Visits Team commented “We have an exciting summer ahead, and are really looking forward to telling people about Minehead RNLI’s 125-year story. We are eagerly anticipating PS WAVERLEY’S visit and hope to welcome many visitors to the town”.
The Visits team also goes out into the community to give group talks, interested parties should contact Visits officer Eric Atkins on 07929 072299 or 01398 323634. Visitors can also find out information about station events, and contact the team, via Minehead RNLI’s Facebook page.
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.