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Huge success for Longhope RNLI Open Day

Lifeboats News Release

Small island community raises £875 at Longhope RNLI Lifeboat Open Day

Mary Harris

Longhope, Stromness and Thurso RNLI demonstrating a joint exercise at Longhope RNLI Open Day.

The Longhope RNLI Open Day began first thing on Sunday 20 August with stalls being set up, teas brewing and the marvellous home made cakes ready for the off or should I say, the scoff!

At the rather busy pier, three RNLI lifeboats lay alongside each other creating a rare and unforgettable sight. How great to see all those yellow wellies brightening the scene as various lifeboat crews wandered (as opposed to the normal emergency rush) down the pier to help us celebrate our Open Day.

Once again the steadfast Longhope Lifeboat Guild, the volunteer crew, Stormy Stan and other helpers made the afternoon a happy and successful fundraising event. However, this success was only made possible by the presence of all those who came down to generously support us. Thank you.

The highlight of the afternoon was the joint exercise performed by the lifeboats just off the pier. With the Y boats launched as well, the lifeboat crews carried out man overboard and recovery procedures. It was an awesome display and we can’t thank our flanking stations, RNLI Stromness and RNLI Thurso, enough for coming along.

As the evening drifted in and the event petered out, many folk lingered for a while to chat by the pier, while cake fuelled children charged about on the shore. Since the pandemic, these spontaneous community moments have become quite rare, so it was pleasing to strengthen the community bond, with their lifeboat station.

Finally we would like to say a special thank you to the midges, for delaying their appearance but as they say, all good things come to an end.

Our sincerest thanks to everyone involved for helping save lives at sea.

Mary Harris

Man overboard exercise demonstration with Longhope RNLI lifeboat.

Mary Harris

RNLI lifeboats Longhope, Stromness and Thurso at the Longhope RNLI Open Day.

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

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.