Donate now

Margate RNLI to host the annual Margate Community Blue Light Day

Lifeboats News Release

Volunteers at Margate’s RNLI lifeboat station are once again hosting the popular Community Blue Light Day on Sunday 1 September where the public can meet the emergency services and learn a little about what happens when you dial 999

Margate RNLI lifeboat station (RNLI Margate)

RNLI Margate

Margate RNLI lifeboat station (RNLI Margate)

When things go wrong, be it on land or at sea we call on the emergency services for help. Once the panic is over however they usually disappear as quickly as they arrived so who are these people, often volunteers and what is all that strange equipment they have?

On Sunday 1 September, between 10.30am and 3.30pm the public can come along to the RNLI lifeboat station at Margate and meet representatives from among others: Margate RNLI Lifeboat, RNLI Lifeguards, HM Coastguard, Kent Fire & Rescue Service, Kent Police, South East Coast Ambulance Service and St John Ambulance.

It promises to be a fun day out suitable for all the family, children in particular will love the experience where they can get close up to the lifeboats and rescue vehicles and meet the emergency responders – don’t forget your cameras! The day will include live demonstrations including sea safety advice and the opportunity to learn new life skills including junior CPR instruction. Operational circumstances permitting, the lifeboat will launch for an afloat demonstration at 1pm and Kent Fire & Rescue is hoping to have its height vehicle and urban rescue team in attendance.

Visitors can meet RNLI fundraisers with the opportunity to buy a gift at the Lifeboat Shop where you can contribute to saving lives at sea. You can even learn about volunteering for the lifeboat service – including in roles where you don’t have to get your feet wet! Hot and cold drinks will also be available, all proceeds in aid of the RNLI.

Visitors can find us at The Rendezvous, Margate (CT9 1HG) next to Turner Contemporary. Council parking (requires payment) is available at The Rendezvous car park next to the lifeboat station and toilet facilities, including for the disabled are available at the boathouse. Relevant updates will be posted on our facebook page (RNLI Margate Lifeboat) have a look there for the latest information and the usual reports of our lifesaving and other activities.

Derek Amas, Lifeboat Operations Manager, RNLI Margate said: “What was our annual station open day has morphed into an event featuring many of our local emergency services and a unique opportunity for the public to meet the emergency responders we rely on for life’s dramas. The day is a family occasion and we know from previous occasions children in particular will enjoy the experience.”

Notes to editors

· Margate lifeboat station has been operating since 1860. To learn more about the lifeboat station go to: https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeboat-stations/margate-lifeboat-station

RNLI media contacts

For more information please contact:

· Peter Barker, RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 07974 064304 or [email protected]

· Hatti Mellor, Regional Communications Manager on 07724 801305 or [email protected]

· RNLI Press Office 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.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter 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.