Emergency services will be out in force at Cowes tomorrow (Sunday), when Cowes RNLI lifeboat station stages another SOS Day.
The station itself will be open to the public between 11:00-17:00 and represented on a cordoned off section of The Parade will be the Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service, HM Coastguard, National Coastwatch Institution and Hampshire Constabulary – all available to talk to the public about their work.
Meanwhile on the water will be Cowes lifeboat and several lifeboats from independent stations elsewhere in the Solent area.
The day will include many activities for children and adults including story-telling, quizzes and water safety advice. There will be live music from Guith outside The Globe Bar and moored at Trinity Landing will be a boat selling ice-creams.
Cakes and drinks will be provided by the RNLI’s Cowes Guild, and children will be able to meet the RNLI’s famous Stormy Stan mascot.
At 18:00 the public is invited to join members of the local lifeboat for an ecumenical service on The Parade to bless the start of the sailing season. It is being jointly held by the Rev Andrew Poppe, Father Jonathon Redvers-Harris and the Rev Francis Thomas, with the Salvation Army Band providing the music.
Another task for the Rev Poppe will be to rededicate the Cowes lifeboat, Sheena Louise, following her first refit at the Inshore Lifeboat Centre, East Cowes.
Free boat moorings are available at Trinity Landing for the duration of the service.
More details on the day’s events can be found on the website at www.cowes-lifeboat.org.uk.
