RNLI volunteer fundraising to install Whitby webcam to share harbour view online
Chairman of the Whitby RNLI Lifeboat Management Group Mike Major decided to crowdfund for the camera after he had a brainwave.
Mike who lives in South Leicestershire but visits Whitby regularly, views the other Whitby webcams dotted around the harbour but felt there was a need for one looking directly out to sea.
He said: 'The moorings above the bridge are very sheltered and can give the impression that the sea conditions are benign. The camera will enable sailors and boat owners to check conditions before venturing away from their moorings. This will also benefit those living away from Whitby as they can check conditions before travelling.'
The lifeboat station at Whitby is nestled in the harbour and enjoys views out towards the two piers that shelter the town from rough seas. The camera will be available for anyone to access, so people will be able view the busy outer harbour of their favourite seaside town.
Barry Brown, Lifeboat Operations Manager at Whitby RNLI said: 'We all think it is a brilliant idea and will be a real asset to the station, being able to check the conditions from home will be really useful. However we'd also like to remind people to always check the forecasts and make sure their equipment is fully operational before heading out to sea.'
Mike also came up with the idea as a fundraiser for the station. He said: 'Encouraging visitors to the Whitby RNLI website will allow for donations to be made, which will help offset the reduction in income as a result of usual fundraising being suspended.
Mike has already raised above and beyond his initial target of £500 and is delighted to be able to donate the surplus to RNLI funds he said: 'The RNLI is a life-saving charity and relies on donations to keep operating, the service as been fully operational during the coronavirus pandemic, showing the dedication of the volunteers involved.'
Initial reactions from the boating community has been enthusiastic. The Commodore of Whitby Yacht Club said 'It will be great to get another view of the harbour entrance and sea beyond.' Other supportive comments on the Just Giving Web page are 'A good suggestion' and 'Always happy to help and support the RNLI ,I shall look forward to using the webcam before putting to sea'
The link to the Just Giving page is: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/whitbyrnliwebcam?utm_id=2&utm_term=Wz7mVexde all further donations will go straight to the RNLI to help pay for vital lifesaving equipment and training.
For more information contact Lifeboat Press Officer Ceri Oakes on 07813359428 or at [email protected]
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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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries
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