By Isle of Wight Observer
Bembridge lifeboat station will be holding its annual Open Day on Saturday, August 17. Visitors will have the chance to view both the inshore and all-weather lifeboats at close quarters from between 11am and 4.30pm.
Members of the crew and Lifeboat Guild will be on hand to explain how the lifeboats operate and respond in an emergency.
The Tamar class all-weather lifeboat, Alfred Albert Williams, will be launched just after midday This may be viewed from the public gallery in the offshore boathouse. There will also be a combined display with the inshore lifeboat of a simulated rescue in front of the shoreline.
In the offshore boathouse, youngsters will be able to dress up in junior lifeboat kit to have their photos taken and will have the opportunity to become involved in lifeboats through the junior Stormforce membership scheme. The offshore boathouse will also be mounting a display of the history of the lifeboat service.
As part of the RNLI’s Respect the Water campaign, the RNLI Sea Safety stand will be present, which will offer valuable advice on how to keep safe in a marine environment. There will also be a lifejacket clinic for anyone to bring their life jackets along to be checked for safety and seaworthiness.
The RNLI shop will be open, with lifeboat goods, gifts and clothing for sale. There will be stalls selling books, jewellery, and bric-a-brac, amongst other items, with sideshows and games and entertainment for all the family. Bembridge Lifeboat Guild members will be serving refreshments from their stall.
The event is entirely free, but all money from donations, RNLI sales and refreshments will go directly towards supporting the lifeboats.
