Rye Harbour Lifeboat Station

News release

Issued by Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer

DATE 25/06/2008 TIME 12.15 PM REFERENCE: SMT/RH/026

Station open day a great success.


Saturday, 21 June 2008 the doors of Rye Harbour RNLI Lifeboat Station were opened to the public for the annual station open day.


Throughout the day, there were rescue demonstrations, two crew members racing to get dressed in under a minute, a chance for the children to meet Stormy Stan (RNLI Storm Force mascot), have a look on the boat. Refreshments were available as were the bric-a-brac, tombola, raffle and plant stalls, which raised an amazing £381.16 - unfortunately the souvenir stall was not available due to illness.

Richard Tollett, RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager at Rye Harbour said: ‘This was an excellent opportunity to come and see what happens at Rye Harbour RNLI Lifeboat Station, to see first hand, the equipment that is purchased with these voluntary donations and how it is used. The RNLI is funded by voluntary donations and legacies,not HM Government. It is these donations that enable the RNLI to carry out its life saving duties at sea.’

Steve Tollett, RNLI Lifeboat Management Group Chairman at Rye Harbour said: ‘Anyone who visited the station on Saturday to purchase their RNLI Christmas cards can telephone me on 01797 223631 and I will be more than happy to either get a supply of cards or put them in touch with someone who can supply them. I would also like to thank everyone who supported this years event, whether it be by donation, helping out or visiting. If it wasn't for you, this event wouldn't have been possible.’

 

END

Crew member in water with smoke flare
Two crew members racing to get dressed in under 1 minute
Two crew member racing to get dressed in under 1 minute
Lifeboat B727 'Commander and Mrs Rodney Wells' off to the rescue
Crew member being pulled out of the river
Crew member being pulled out of the river
Stormy Stan
People looking at the stalls

Notes to editors

  1. Photos courtesy of Rye Harbour Lifeboat Station
  2. During 2007 RNLI Lifeboats launched 8,141 times, that is an average of 22 per day. Rescuing 7,834 people, an average of 21 per day
  3. The average cost of launching is estimated at £2,200 for an inshore lifeboat
  4. The RNLI is a registered charity and continues to rely on voluntary contributions and legacies for income.


For more information please contact Steve Tollett, the RNLI lifeboat press officer at Rye Harbour Lifeboat Station on email: Press Officer.

  • The RNLI is a registered charity that saves lives at sea.
  • It provides, on call, the 24-hour service necessary to cover search and rescue requirements to 100 nautical miles out from the coasts of the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland.
  • There are over 230 lifeboat stations.
  • RNLI Beach Lifeguards operate in the south and south west of England.
  • The RNLI further saves lives through sea and beach education.
  • The RNLI depends on voluntary contributions and legacies for its income.

    • Vision


    To be recognised universally as the most effective, innovative and dependable lifeboat service.Royal National Lifeboat Institution headquarters:

    West Quay Road
    Poole
    Dorset
    BH15 1HZ
    Tel 0845 1226999
    Fax 0845 1261999