Exmouth RNLI is holding their annual public Open Day on Saturday, 29th August, at the new boathouse near Maer Rocks – now that the RNLI shop, crew training, administration and communications are operated from the new building.

As well as the newly equipped RNLI shop, visitors will also be able visit the main boathouse hall and see the Inshore Lifeboat (ILB) and ILB crew, together with the RNLI lifeguards and members of the RNLI sea safety team. The impressive Talus tractor and trailer will be parked outside for people to look over too.

At approximately 2pm, there will be a sea demonstration just off Maer Rocks with the RNLI Lifeguards and RNLI ILB crew, showing the public how the lifeguards and lifeboat teams work together when necessary. This demo is subject to operational requirements.

Rory Smith, RNLI Lifeguard supervisor for Exmouth and East Devon said; “There have been a few instances this year where the lifeboat crew and lifeguards have worked together to provide a seamless rescue and this demo will give the general public a flavour of how we work together in these situations.”

As in previous years, the All Weather Lifeboat (ALB) will be moored at Exmouth Marina between 12 noon – 3pm where volunteer crew will be on hand to show members of the public over the boat and answer any questions. Again this is all subject to operational requirements. Last year the pagers went off during the lifeboat open day and as the visitors left the boat, they were able to witness the speed in which the volunteer crew get ready to carry out their vital rescue work. One gentleman commented upon leaving the boat; “Well this is all quite exciting isn’t it, I wish I could have gone with them!” The ALB crew were tasked that day to a broken down powerboat out to sea in danger of being swamped by large waves.

The boathouse will be open to the public on Saturday, 29th August, from 10am.

Notes to editors

Both Exmouth lifeboats remain fully operational, the ALB from its mooring and the ILB from the old ILB station. In time, once the issues relating to the new boathouse ramp are sorted, both lifeboats will be housed in the new boathouse and an official Boathouse Opening Ceremony will take place. There is no expected date set for this.

Exmouth RNLI has been operating since 1858. To learn more about the lifeboat stations past and present go to www.exmouth-lifeboat.org.uk.

Photo of Exmouth Lifeboat station attached taken by Bill Davies, RNLI supporter. Please credit him.

If anyone would like to attend the day and would like further information, please contact Jo Damsell (details under media contact) nearer the date.

RNLI media contacts

If you require further information, please contact Jo Damsell, RNLI voluntary Lifeboat Press Officer on 07551 635363 or JDamsell@aol.com