Bembridge RNLI’s lifeboat station Open Day promises to be a fascinating and entertaining day out for all the family next Sunday (14th August).
From 11:00-16:30, the lifeboat station at Lane End will be open for visitors to view both lifeboats and see the history of the lifeboat service on displays in the offshore boathouse.
Visitors will be able to watch the Tamar class All Weather Lifeboat and the D-class Inshore Lifeboat launch and carry out a spectacular demonstration display with a simulated rescue in front of the shoreline.
Members of the crew and Lifeboat Guild will be on hand to answer questions and explain how the lifeboats operate and respond in an emergency.
The RNLI shop will be open all day selling lifeboat gifts, clothing and souvenirs and there will be stalls selling books, jewellery and bric-a-brac, amongst other items, with sideshows and entertainment for all the family. The Lifeboat Guild members will be serving tea, coffee and refreshments from their stall, including homemade cakes.
As well as being a fun event for all the family, there is a serious aspect as well with the accent firmly on safety in, on, or around the water.
In conjunction with the RNLI’s Respect the Water campaign, the RNLI Sea Safety stand will be present together with HM Coastguard, with information on how to keep safe in a marine environment. The Lifeboat’s Coastal Safety Officer will be present to offer advice. There will also be a lifejacket ‘clinic’ for boat users to have their lifejackets inspected and checked for safety and seaworthiness.
The event is entirely free, but all money from donations, RNLI sales and refreshments will go directly towards the lifeboats, helping to save lives at sea.
