Through the Lens - R.N.L.I. LIFEBOAT DAY

R.N.L.I. DAY, - Weston super Mare 28th July 2013  Ever wondered what goes into running the lifeboats that keep people safe at sea?  Loads and loads of investment is what it takes to save lives.  And hard work, commitment & dedication.  Volunteers giving up time on their day jobs, time with family, social & free time while we carry on with ours.

One of the lifeboats featured on the day.

On 28th July the crews manned the boats, arrived at the beach at Anchor Head, and spent time giving supporters and interested public an insight to their work and dedication.

  

Getting up close with the public.

The structure in the background is the now ruined Birnbeck Island and Royal Pier.  The project is now underway to raise funds for a new & improved station for this very much needed service.  

Throughout the day spectators were treated to exhibitions of the versatility and speed of these incredible craft.

It was a beautiful sunny July day (if a little windy) but a sense of solemn irony was added when the attendance of the Air/Sea Helicopter planned as part of the day was cancelled; the helicopter was called to a real-time emergency for people stranded on the rocks near Swansea, followed by a further incident immediately after!  If anyone was in any doubt of the ever present need for the service this was a very timely reminder.

The ruins of the island that houses the Lifeboat Facility clearly seen behind the lifeboat leave no doubt of the need for an improved home!  The Bristol Channel has the second highest tidal flow rate in the world and a few minutes reading the call log for the Weston super Mare Lifeboat will show how incredibly busy the service is.  Nevertheless for many years the crews have battled on, making safety at sea their priority, while councils and other interested parties argue over practicality of rebuild, viability of other commercial & non commercial ventures for the island and access bridge, putting the safety of these same crews in question before they even reach their boats!  

These & other pictures from the day are at http://www.simplidophotography.com/gallery.html  Please respect copyright and request permission for use of the photos through the website, this blog, or by email via simplidophotography@gmail.com  

In July 2013 the launch of a £300,000 appeal was announced by RNLI for the intended upgrade to facilities at Weston super Mare, alongside a further appeal for the Portishead service.  Proceeds from any sale of these photographs go to that appeal.