‘Get on board’ at Plymouth RNLI open day
Members of the public will have a chance to get on board a lifeboat and meet the volunteer lifeboat crew when Plymouth RNLI hosts its annual open day on Sunday (11 September) at Royal William Yard, Stonehouse.
All three of Plymouth RNLI’s lifeboats, the Severn class all weather lifeboat Sybil Mullen Glover, the Atlantic 75 inshore lifeboat Millennium Forester and the Arancia inshore rescue boat will be on display at the event (operational commitments permitting) along with two older lifeboats, a Watson and a Tyne class, which are no longer in service (weather permitting).
Amanda Brown, Voluntary Secretary of Plymouth RNLI fundraising branch, says:
‘Our open day gives people the chance to get up close to the lifeboats and meet some of the fantastic volunteers at Plymouth lifeboat station. There will be plenty for children and adults to enjoy, so we would encourage everyone to come along and find out a bit more about the lifesaving work we do. We are very grateful to Royal William Yard and Urban Splash for welcoming us again this year, with particular thanks to Jim at Rockets and Rascals, Derek the Harbour Master at Royal William Yard and River Cottage Canteen for their help and support with the organisation of the event.’
The Respect the Water roadshow will be at the open day to offer advice on how to stay safe at the coast and there will also be the chance to purchase some RNLI souvenirs. Visitors will be given the chance to try to push one tonne of water, which is in Plymouth as part of a permanent display at Royal William Yard.
Dave Milford, Coxswain of Plymouth RNLI lifeboat, says:
‘We want people to enjoy our beautiful coastline, but be aware that the sea can be dangerously unpredictable. Plymouth Lifeboat Open Day is a great opportunity to learn more about our Respect the Water campaign and get advice you need to keep yourself and your family safe at the coast.’
During the open day a presentation will be made to Victor Stimson, a volunteer with Plymouth RNLI for more than 30 years, who recently stepped down from his role as volunteer deputy launching authority and chair of the lifeboat management group.
Plymouth Lifeboat Open Day takes place between 12pm-4pm on Sunday 11 September at Royal William Yard.
Notes to editors
• Photos show Plymouth RNLI lifeboats. Credit Plymouth RNLI
• Photo of one tonne of water- credit RNLI/Nathan Williams
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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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