RNLI CELEBRATES 200TH BIRTHDAY AS LOCAL STATIONS HAVE ONE OF BUSIEST YEARS ON RECORD

The RNLI was founded in 1824 but after 200 years the bravery and selflessness of its volunteer crews is still essential to save lives at sea. Already, 2023 seems likely to have been one of the busiest years on record for the Isle of Wight’s 3 RNLI Lifeboat Stations located in Bembridge, Cowes and Yarmouth. The Isle of Wight Lifeboat Board was formed on 15th December 1859 to raise funds and call for the establishment of the Island’s first RNLI lifeboats at Brook and Brighstone. Now, it is looking forward to creating additional events and activities that will commemorate the rescues of the past, celebrate the work of today’s Lifeboat crews, and importantly, inspire the support and participation needed for the future. For 2024, Island schools are being invited to nominate a class or group in Key Stages 1, 2, or 3, to build a mini lifeboat that can be tested in a ”float off” later in the year, whilst at the same time learning valuable water safety lessons and about the work of the RNLI. Additionally, from 1st January, amateur photographers – of all ages – are invited to submit digital images on the theme of “Island Seas – Splendour and Safety” to the Lifeboat Board’s dedicated RNLI website page. The winners and their families will be invited on a bespoke tour of a lifeboat station as well as having their successful pictures on public display. Isle of Wight events will include an Open Day at the Inshore Lifeboat Centre in East Cowes, with demonstrations and entertainment, and a service of commemoration at Brook Church – near the site of the Island’s first lifeboat station. Details of these and other activities, both local and national, will be updated on the Isle of Wight Lifeboat Board’s website at: www.isleofwightlifeboatboard.org.uk as well as entry forms for the photographic and schools’ competitions, both of which will close on 31st July 2024.