RESCUE SERVICES JOIN RNLI’S 200TH CELEBRATION COMMEMORATION AT COWES

Cowes RNLI played host to a spectacular 999 Day on Cowes Parade on Saturday (4th May) to mark the RNLI’s 200th anniversary. Enthusiastically responding to the invitation were RNLI and independent lifeboats from the Island and Hampshire – plus a whole range of other rescue organisations – from the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire Brigade to Island Coastguard units and the local St John Ambulance; some set up stalls explaining their roles in emergencies. Another event involved lifeboat crews and coastguards, all in their operational gear, racing several times along The Parade. Cowes lifeboat station itself was open to the public, where the station’s visits team found fun ways of teaching young children about water safety. Lifeboat crew member Josh Matthews, who helped organise the day, thanked the IW Council and Cowes Town Council for their support.