Skegness RNLI to host the Blue Light Zone as part of East Coast Pride

The zone will shine a light on the emergency services and armed forces and the vital role that they play within the East Lincolnshire community. It will also provide the opportunity to celebrate their bravery, dedication and diversity and also a chance to learn about their work and contributions to the LGBTQIA+ community.

There will be the opportunity to meet and chat to RNLI crew and members of the charity’s lifeguarding teams, along with representatives from Lincolnshire Police, East Midlands Ambulance Service, Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue, HM Coastguard and LIVES.

Skegness RNLI’s lifeboats will be on display for people to take a closer look at these invaluable assets which help to save lives at sea.

There will be information on how to get involved and volunteer for the RNLI. People will also be able to find out about The RNLI’s Harbour LGBT+ Network which provides peer support for volunteers and staff and works to create a more welcoming, diverse, inclusive and equal organisation for all.

Ross Barraclough, RNLI Head of Region, North and East, said: ‘I am incredibly proud that Skegness RNLI will be the home of Blue Light Pride Zone at East Coast Pride. Celebrating diversity and inclusion is incredibly important to our charity.

‘We look forward to welcoming Lincolnshire locals and visitors to our lifeboat station to meet our volunteer crews, lifeguards and other members of the emergency services.’

A spokesperson for East Coast Pride said: ‘We're thrilled to celebrate the inclusivity and dedication of our uniformed services with the community. This zone within East Coast Pride 2024 is a testament to the progress and ongoing commitment to diversity and inclusion within these services.

‘We look forward to a memorable celebration of pride and gratitude as part of our wider East Coast Pride event. East Coast Pride wishes to thank the RNLI for supporting the event by providing a home for this year's Blue Light Zone.’

Notes to Editors

• East Coast Pride is free to attend and will take place across Skegness between 10am and 8pm on Saturday 7 September 2024. The Official After Party (18+) starts after the main celebrations conclude at 8pm.

For more information visit: https://www.eastcoastpride.co.uk

RNLI Picture caption

The photograph shows Skegness RNLI’s inshore lifeboat in action. Credit: RNLI.

RNLI Media contacts

For more information, please contact Clare Hopps, RNLI Regional Communications Manager, North and East: [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

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