Exmouth RNLI volunteers host a visit for 12 visually impaired guests

Lifeboat Visits Officer, Derek Cairns and Shore Crew volunteer, Neil Cannon informed the visitors about the work of Crew volunteers and stories about recent rescues. In two groups, the guests were shown around the Shannon class lifeboat R and J Wellburn, D class lifeboat George Bearman, both launch and recovery systems and personal protective equipment; through their sense of touch.

Organiser, Brian Hall MBE said of the visit:

‘All our visually impaired guests and volunteers thoroughly enjoyed the tour of Exmouth lifeboat station. Lifeboat volunteers’ explanations and hands on approach suited our group perfectly. This week we had organised a walk to Sandy Bay and decided to pre-book the visit to break up the walk. We run theme breaks to allow our visually impaired guests experience everyday things we take for granted and they really enjoy the sense of achievement through this.’

Derek said: 'We've never had a request like this before but we welcome everyone to the station who would like to hear about what we do. We are currently planning to run short, informed tours throughout the summer season, which holidaymakers can book at our shop from late June.'

You can book a visit for your group by emailing Derek: [email protected] or see our visits page on www.exmouthlifeboat.org.uk.

Notes to Editors

Photos: (credit: Exmouth RNLI)

PR120516-01 

Derek and Neil with their visually impaired visitors, helpers and dogs in front of Exmouth lifeboat station.

For more information please telephone Emma Tarling, Exmouth RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 07837 810082 or email: [email protected] or Emma Haines, South division Public Relations Manager on 07786 668847 or email: [email protected]​

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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.

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