Exmouth RNLI open day hailed 'a great success'

This year's Exmouth RNLI open day, held last Sunday (6 August), has been hailed "a great success".

Guided tours of the lifeboat station were conducted throughout the day, and volunteer crew were on hand to explain their roles and to answer questions.

Also there were the station's RNLI Community Safety Team to give general water safety advice and free equipment checks, together with RNLI Lifeguards and the Exmouth Coastguard Rescue Team.

On the day 32 local runners took part in a 'social running/ walking' event jointly hosted by Budleigh Runners and Exmouth Harriers in aid of Exmouth RNLI. There was a choice of a five- or 11 mile-course taking in the Budleigh Cycle Trail and the South West Coast Path.

The runners raised £512.52 for the lifeboats, and £313.49 was raised from visitor donations and attractions at the event.

A woman named Brenda Bridge from Bromsgrove, who was in Exmouth on holiday, also presented the lifesavers with £500.

Des White, Chair of Exmouth RNLI Fundraising Team, said: "We were fortunate in that the weather was kind and the open day was a great success.

"It was well attended, with over 300 visiting the lifeboat station, showing an interest in our work, its volunteers, the lifesaving equipment and taking part in the various fun activities at the event.

"All of the funds raised will be used for essential training and equipment for the volunteer Exmouth Lifeboat crews to enable them to continue their work saving all lives at sea."

The open day was supported by the Grapevine Bar and Grill, Big Bear Burgers, Reginaldo's Ice Cream and Tom and Maureen Chandler with their 'Launch a Lifeboat' attraction.