Kinghorn RNLI Lifeboat Open Day Shines Despite Downpour

Showers of rain throughout the day didn’t stop supporters coming along to Kinghorn beach, and they were treated to plenty of displays, stalls, and attractions.

The lifeboat crew put on a demonstration with colleagues from Queensferry lifeboat, taking part in the rescue of a capsized kayaker, and recovery of two casualties from the water.

The event was opened by the royal party from the town’s children’s gala. Later, the tugs Cramond and Corringham from Hound Point put on a spectacular display, showing their fire-fighting capabilities and manoeuvrability. Supporters were also treated to display by Newfoundland rescue dogs.

Onshore, the local Coastguard Rescue Team displayed their equipment, and the Lang Toun Model Boat club demonstrated their boats. Local group Kinghorn Coastal Rowing showed their vessel Yolande and British Divers Marine Life Rescue attended for the first time. This was complemented by traditional stalls including home baking, plants, and lifeboat gifts.

Sheona Smith, fundraising chairperson was delighted with the support received, despite the poor weather, ‘On a day like today folks only came along to a wet, windy, cold beach to visit Kinghorn RNLI and we are so grateful for that. It's such a shame they needed their winter waterproofs to do it!

‘Despite the weather, we were still able run the event, and raised over £4,000 for the RNLI charity. This is fantastic, and shows the esteem people hold for the station and RNLI.

‘I would like to thank everyone who came along, as well as our partner organisations and Queensferry lifeboat which came downriver to take part in our demonstration.

‘The final total of over £4,000 is excellent. Fundraising events like the Open Day help fund the RNLI’s service; it costs around £485,000 per day to run the institution.’

The next fundraising event in planning will be the 1920s themed Afternoon Tea in September.

Notes to editors

• Kinghorn lifeboat station has been operating since 1965. To learn more about the lifeboat station go to www.rnli.org.uk/kinghorn
• Attached photos show the some of the displays and attractions from the Open Day.

RNLI media contacts

For more information please telephone Neil Chalmers, RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 07767 380274 or [email protected] or Richard Smith on 07786 668903 or at [email protected] Henry Weaver on 07771 943026 or at [email protected] or contact RNLI Public Relations on 01202 336789.

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.

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