Thousands took to the coast to support Hoylake & West Kirby RNLI annual Open Day
The total raised throughout the Open Day which took place on bank holiday Monday is expected to be approximately £20 000. Hoylake and West Kirby RNLI wish to thank all those who attended their annual Open Day in Hoylake for their generous support.
The sun was shining and temperatures soared as an estimated 10 000 people enjoyed the various attractions. Dozens of exhibitors and stall holders lined Hoylake promenade, the Northern Kite Group took over the beach and families enjoyed fairground attractions, games stalls and plenty of ice cream!
Organiser Carole Jackson said: ‘It was a great day, we were thrilled with the turnout and the generosity of the local community! Happily the weather was on our side and there was a constant stream of people wanting to look around the lifeboats.’
The day began at 10am when RNLI Hoylake Coxswain, Andy Dodd, and Everton FC’s Sports Director, Marcel Brands, officially started the BTR 5K Medal Muddle. Over 200 runners took part with many entry fees donated to the charity.
Hundreds took the opportunity to step aboard RNLI Hoylake’s Shannon class lifeboat Edmund HawthornMicklewood, which was positioned by the slipway adjacent to the original lifeboat station. RNLI Hoylake station’s Hovercraft H-005 Hurley Spirit performed several demonstrations along the beach throughout the day waving at the crowds as they passed. RNLI Wirral lifeguards were also present and RNLI West Kirby station displayed their Hagglund tractor and highly manoeuvrable D class inshore lifeboat Seahorse. UK Coastguard and Royal National Lifeboat Institution volunteers enjoyed talking with members of the public about the vital role the RNLI plays helping to ensure we all are safe in the water.
Hoylake’s modern lifeboat station was open to the public where home-made sandwiches, cakes and refreshments were on sale as well as RNLI souvenirs. RNLIHoylake is one of the oldest stations on the coasts of Great Britain and Ireland and has played a vital role in the community for over 200 years. RNLI West Kirby was established more recently in 1966 and the two stations have often worked together to rescue casualties in distress.
Andy Dodd said: “The Open Day is a great opportunity for volunteer crew to engage with visitors and showcase the work we do. It’s always heart-warming to see how much local support there is for the RNLI and this year was no exception.’
The Royal National Lifeboat Institution relies entirely on donations from the public in order to continue saving lives at sea. Events such as this are vital to raise funds to keep the charity running, as well as spreading awareness of water safety. The annual Open Day also helps to raise the profile of the RNLI in the community, from which it draws all its crew volunteers. These crew are highly trained and ready to drop everything at a moment’s notice assist a casualty in need of help along the beach or out at sea.
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
For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, X, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.
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.