RNLI Dover Hosts First-Ever Emergency Services Day
The RNLI's Dover Lifeboat Station proudly welcomed over 700 visitors on Saturday of last week for Dover’s inaugural Emergency Services Day, an event that brought together more than ten emergency service organisations for a day of public engagement, collaboration, and community spirit.
Held at the Dover Lifeboat Station on Saturday of last week, the event was a great success and marks the beginning of a new annual tradition. Nearly £1,000 was raised to support the RNLI’s lifesaving work, thanks to the generosity of attendees and the wider community.
The day featured a series of interactive displays, vehicle tours, and live demonstrations from participating emergency services. Over 200 guests stepped aboard RNLI Dover’s Severn Class All-Weather Lifeboat, and 300 people explored the station’s brand-new exhibition room.
“We were absolutely delighted by the turnout and the incredible support shown by the community,” said Nicholas Cobb, Lifeboat Press Officer at RNLI Dover. “Emergency Services Day is not only a celebration of the vital work our services do every day—it’s a platform to strengthen cooperation between agencies and ensure the safety of the people and maritime community Southeast Kent and beyond.”
A heartfelt thank you to our participating partners: HM Coastguard, Kent Fire and Rescue Service, Kent Police, Highways Agency, Border Force, Port of Dover Police, St John Ambulance, National Coastwatch Institution, British Transport Police, RNLI Littlestone, British Divers Marine Life Rescue, and 4x4 Rescue Response.
Their presence and participation helped make the event truly special, offering visitors of all ages a unique chance to meet the people behind the uniforms and learn more about the essential work they do.
RNLI Dover is excited to confirm that Emergency Services Day will now become an annual event, with plans already underway for an even bigger celebration next year.
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.