Bembridge RNLI’s 2021 Open Day promises to be a fascinating and entertaining day out for all the family next Saturday (14th August).
From 11:00-16:30, the lifeboat station at Lane End will be open for visitors to view the inshore lifeboat at close quarters. Sadly, the offshore boathouse is unlikely to be open due to COVID restrictions.
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 throughout the day.
In conjunction with the RNLI’s Respect the Water campaign, the RNLI Sea Safety stand will be present . Information will be available on how to keep safe in a marine environment and the lifeboat station’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.
During the day, visitors will be able to watch both 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.
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.
