An open day at Bembridge Lifeboat Station raised £4,000 last weekend.

Despite a slow start due to the women’s football World Cup final on TV, there was a good turnout of visitors to the annual event.

Around 900 people visited the offshore lifeboat to inspect the Tamar class all-weather lifeboat Frank and Anne Wilkinson.

The inshore boathouse was also open enabling the public to view the D class inshore lifeboat Norman Harvey.

There were also attractions with sideshows and stalls, with the RNLI shop selling lifeboat gifts, souvenirs and clothing.

Refreshments were served by Bembridge Lifeboat Guild members, the proceeds for which accounted for over £1,000 towards the overall sum.

As well as being a fun event, there was an important message of how to keep safe in, on or around the sea, which was highlighted by the lifeboat’s coastal safety team.

The visits and education team was also kept busy.

During the afternoon, the shoreline and boathouse was packed with spectators to watch the launch of the all-weather lifeboat which,
together with the inshore lifeboat, entertained the crowds with a simulated rescue and display.

Bembridge RNLI Lifeboat would like to thank everyone who went along,and helped raise more than £4,000.