Lifeboat action and family fun at St Bees RNLI Open Day

Visitors enjoyed an action-packed day of lifeboat displays, station tours, and family fun, all in support of saving lives at sea. The event featured guided tours of the station and Atlantic 85 lifeboat Joy Morris MBE, with children particularly enjoying the chance to dress up in lifeboat crew kit and explore the boat up close.

'The lifeboat tours were a huge hit,' said Joe Raymond Lifeboat Crew Volunteer. 'The kids asked so many brilliant questions about how the lifeboat works – it was great to see their enthusiasm.'

Throughout the day the RNLI Guild's fundraising stalls offered hot drinks, second-hand books, and games such as ‘Hook-a-Duck’, helping to raise over £400 for the RNLI.

A highlight of the afternoon was an at-sea lifeboat demonstration. The crew showcased the lifeboat’s speed and manoeuvrability, conducted a man overboard drill, and set off flares for the watching crowd. A crew member onshore narrated the exercise, giving spectators a better understanding of the training and skills involved in RNLI operations.

Midway through the day, the event was briefly interrupted when St Bees RNLI was tasked by HM Coastguard to investigate reports of a personal watercraft (jet ski), emitting smoke off Parton with four people on board.

The volunteer shore crew acted swiftly, clearing the busy beach and hardstanding area to allow the lifeboat to launch safely. The lifeboat was escorted across the sand and into the sea before heading toward Whitehaven. En route, the crew were stood down after confirmation that the personal watercraft had been recovered and all persons were safe.

Colin Wadey, St Bees RNLI Launch Authority, praised the teamwork and cooperation that ensured a safe launch during a very busy day:

'Not only was it a very successful Open Day for the station, but being a busy Saturday in the summer holidays made it a valuable experience for our shore crew, who worked swiftly to escort the lifeboat across a crowded beach.

'We’d like to thank the public for their support in helping us clear the way and ensure everyone’s safety.'

The lifeboat was later recovered, washed down, and made ready for its next call.

The day proved a fantastic opportunity to share vital water safety messages, connect with the community, and celebrate the incredible work of the RNLI’s volunteers.

RNLI media contacts
For more information please email Joe Raymond, St Bees RNLI Lifeboat Press Officer on [email protected].

Alternatively you can contact RNLI Regional Communications Manager, Claire Fitzpatrick-Smith, on [email protected] or 07977 728 315, or the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336 789.