Community turns out in force to support Fishguard RNLI Open Day

On Sunday 9 August 2026 Fishguard RNLI opened up the stations doors and North Breakwater for what is the biggest event in the station’s calendar.

The day started off with the support of Cove Corner in Fishguard. Their regular Sunday morning running club saw 61 runners taking up the opportunity to run from the cafe, through the port and out along the breakwater, calling into the station for some homemade refreshments before heading back to their start point.

The main event kicked off at 2pm which featured games for all ages, BBQ, local Gelato, a huge selection of homemade cakes and opportunity to look around the charity’s lifeboats and speak to the local volunteers about being a part of the lifeboat crew.

The day also featured live music from Barnhowlers, Fishguard Folk, Fishguard and Goodwick Rugby Club Male Voice Choir and Pembrokeshire Pop Voices.

A big draw for the day was the opportunity to walk the North Breakwater which saw 1390 visitors. A big thank you goes out to StenaLine for giving their permission. As with previous years the dolphins showed up and gave a fantastic performance for our visitors with our friends from Sea Trust on hand to answer questions.

Colleagues from Dyfed-Powys Police, Welsh Ambulance Service Trust and HM Coastguard also brought vehicles and equipment for our visitors to get an up close look at and learn more about.

The total amount raised on the day excluding costs was an amazing £6,965.57.

Fishguard RNLI volunteer fundraiser and event lead organiser, Dai Rogers, said:

“It turned out to be an exceptional day. It was really amazing to see so many of our local supporters and those from further afield coming to support our event. Whilst we are raising funds for a lifesaving cause, it is also really special to see families enjoying a great afternoon out, and that we can provide everything to achieve that.”

“This event simply wouldn’t be possible without the support of the local community, people visiting the area, our volunteer fundraisers, volunteer lifeboat crew, StenaLine and local vendors. As with previous years volunteer numbers on the day were bolstered by volunteers from our flank stations St Davids and Cardigan who helped flip burgers, as well as Cardigan crew who brought their Atlantic 85 lifeboat to display another great lifesaving asset, and for that we would also like to thank them.”

Notes to editor:

• Attached photo (Photo 1) shows crew member Rhodri putting in a shift on the Stormy Stan sponges. (Sunday 9 August 2026) Photo credit: RNLI/Jessica Rogers

· • Attached photo (Photo 2) shows Cardigan’s Atlantic 85 lifeboat Albatross who turned up in support of the open day. (Sunday 9 August 2026) Photo credit: RNLI/Jessica Rogers

RNLI Media Contacts

For further information, please contact:

Cedwyn Rogers, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for RNLI Wales & West, [email protected]

Claire Fitzpatrick-Smith, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for Wales, West of England and Isle of Man, 07977 728 315, [email protected]

Danielle Rush, RNLI Regional Communications Lead for Wales, West of England and Isle of Man, 07786 668829, [email protected]

RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789, [email protected]

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI is the charity that 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 146,700 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.