Weston-super-Mare RNLI 999 Day attracts over 30,000 visitors in bright sunshine

For four years Weston RNLI lifeboat station has been bringing together all the emergency services to an event on the Beach Lawns. This is the largest such event organised by the RNLI. These shows allow the public to get close to the men and women who provide emergency care and to see the equipment they use to save lives. It also allows them to see and learn how to stay safe and what to do if an emergency does occur. Added to which it is all fun for all the family.
 
The RNLI itself had a large display including the Weston Lifeboats, our Flood Rescue equipment, Lifeguards, sea safety, education and souvenirs. The public had an opportunity to soak one of the crew, for a small fee. The crew who were there enjoyed themselves but their main purpose was demonstrated when, during the show, a genuine emergency occurred. The lifeboats had to be rushed off the site and prepared for launch as some people had been sighted in difficulties in the water off Weston beach.
 
Alongside the RNLI were displays by the Severn Area Rescue Association (SARA) who showed their boats, BARB showed their hovercraft and the coastguard showed how they rescued people at the water’s edge.
 
The Bristol Airport Fire Service large tender was there impressing all. They also took the opportunity to show how powerful their jets are by soaking a lifeboatmen who was in full kit standing some way away. Avon Fire and Rescue showed some of their tenders alongside.
 
The South West Ambulance Service had much of their equipment on show including that from the Hazardous Area Rescue Team, HART. On the Southern end of the site the Great Western Air Ambulance flew in and was visited by many of the visitors.
 
Other shows include the police with their police dogs, British Transport Police, the Free Wheeler blood bikes, Wessex 4 X 4, Avon and Somerset Search and Rescue, the Red Cross, the RSPCA and many others.
 
This year, to enhance the event for all the family, was a Summer Market offering crafts, jewellery, perfume and other stalls with activities for children.  Included at the top end of the site were Secret World and the National Trust.
 
The show was opened by a fly past from the Coastguard Helicopter ,Rescue 187 with whom we work, a speech from Councillor John Crockford-Hawley, chair of North Somerset Council and a splendid session of brass band music from the Weston Sea Cadet band.
 
The volunteer organiser for the RNLI, Glyn Hayes, said; ‘Each year this show grows in size and coverage. It is only possible because of a huge effort by a dedicated team from the RNLI crew and the help of the wider Weston RNLI family, crew and fund raisers, to whom I am extremely grateful. My thanks also go to the services who came and showed the public what they do.’
 
RNLI media contacts

For further information, please contact Weston-super-Mare RNLI Lifeboat Press Officer Glyn Hayes on 01934 824587 or Chris Lyons Deputy RNLI Lifeboat Press Officer on 07825 347697
 
Lifeboats in service at Weston-super-Mare
Atlantic 75 class Lifeboat named Coventry and Warwickshire
D-Class Lifeboat named Anna Stock
 
The station was established in 1882 at the request of the local inhabitants and moved into a new boathouse in 1902. In 2013 the Pier connecting Birnbeck Island to the mainland became too unstable and dangerous. The crew now use a temporary station on the shoreline while waiting for a new permanent home.
 
To find out more information about Weston-super-Mare lifeboat and for recent events, please log onto our website or contact Glyn Hayes on 01934 824587.
www.westonrnli.org.uk

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,000 lives.

Learn more about the RNLI

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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.