Volunteers from St Bees RNLI had a busy day on Saturday – with two events and a call out.
Some of the volunteers started the day early setting up for their open day alongside the Cumbria Wildlife Trust SeaFest, which was part of Irish Sea Day.
Other volunteers were preparing the lifeboat Joy Morris MBE to be on display at St Bees then later in the day going to Whitehaven Harbour for the Blue Light Day organised by Workington RNLI.
Despite the early morning rain, the sun soon came out as the crew at St Bees RNLI prepared for the day ahead. There were plenty of stalls on the grass bank as well as a sandcastle competition on the beach all organised by Cumbria Wildlife Trust.
St Bees Guild were busy with their tombola and handing out teas, coffee and cold drinks and the crew were on hand to show people the equipment used during lifeboat rescues.
A table with badges, flags and sea safety advice also proved very popular and Stormy Stan made a guest appearance taking the opportunity to get involved in many of the activities.
Just before 1pm the lifeboat was launched giving the crowds a chance to see the lifeboat in action. After putting on a display along the shoreline the boat made its way to Whitehaven Harbour.
Once in the harbour the St Bees lifeboat was joined by the volunteers at Workington RNLI. The planned joint rescue demonstration for the crowds enjoying the Blue Light event was cut short when St Bees Lifeboat was tasked by Belfast Coastguard.
An unmanned inflatable boat had been reported floating south of St Bees. The St Bees lifeboat left the display and quickly located the small boat. After a search of the area along with Whitehaven Coastguard Rescue Team, who had also been part of the Blue Light Event, nothing further was found and the lifeboat crew were stood down.
Dick Beddows, St Bees RNLI operations manager, said: “I would like to thank the person who reported the unmanned boat, they did the right thing by dialling 999 and asking for the Coastguard. If you have any type of small boat, kayak or canoe it is a good idea to mark it with your contact details. This makes it easier for the search and rescue teams to confirm the owner is safe.
“I would like to thank everyone who came along and supported both events we all enjoyed our day meeting and chatting to everyone.”
