The six-hour event welcomed everyone, from volunteers at the station to supporters of the lifeboat, and anyone wanting to learn about the RNLI as a charity. Live entertainment and music took place, along with a variety of fun activities and stalls being present.
Organisations such as Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service and Fleetwood National Coastwatch Institution were also present providing safety information and advice on a variety of topics to visitors.
Fleetwood RNLI relies on charitable donations from supporters to fund its lifesaving emergency service. The money raised from the day and through donations can contribute to the lifeboat services in many ways; from gaining equipment and kit to training crew members.
The most exciting part of the day was the launching of both the All-Weather Shannon class Lifeboat and the Inshore D-Class Lifeboat. The lifeboats sailed past the station and conducted displays on the River Wyre, utilising search patterns, using high speeds, and demonstrating manoeuvres and emergency stops.
Captain David Eccles, Fleetwood RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager said:
‘The open day has been fantastic. It's been great to see all our volunteers and supporters at the station. Thank you to everyone that has supported us today.’
Notes to editors
• Fleetwood’s RNLI All-Weather Lifeboat is named KENNETH JAMES PIERPOINT and is a Shannon class boat.
• Fleetwood’s RNLI Inshore Lifeboat is named HARBET and is a D-Class boat.
• Photo credit: RNLI/ Amy Teebay
• Fleetwood lifeboat station has been operating since 1859. To learn more about the lifeboat station go to:
http://fleetwoodlifeboat.org.uk/
RNLI media contacts
For more information contact Amy Teebay, Deputy Lifeboat Press Officer, via [email protected], David Devereux, Fleetwood RNLI Press Officer on 07591 675733 / [email protected] or Eleri Roberts, RNLI Regional Media Officer on 07468 353082 / [email protected]
RNLI/Amy Teebay
Deputy Mayor of Wyre, Cllr Sue Catterall, thanking Fleetwood RNLI crew members
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.
