Salcombe RNLI welcomed members of the public for a successful Open Day on August 20, giving visitors the opportunity to meet volunteer crew members and take a closer look at the station's lifeboats.

More than 600 visitors enjoyed guided tours of the lifeboats, the lifeboat station, crew rooms, museum, and gift shop, gaining a real sense of the work and dedication behind the scenes.

Members from each of the sections that makes up RNLI Salcombe along with members of the RNLI Bantham Lifeguards were on hand throughout the afternoon and evening to answer questions, share stories and provide guided tours of both the station's Tamar class and Atlantic class lifeboats, and provide insight into the experience of sitting in the Coxswain’s seat, using the helmet cameras, and wearing the essential—though heavy—lifejackets.

Crew members were delighted by the enthusiasm and interest shown by visitors, who asked thoughtful questions about the station, the lifeboats and the challenges faced during rescues. Some of the visitors shared their stories and experiences, including some individuals who had previously been assisted by RNLI crews and simply stopped by to say hello and thank the volunteers.

A spokesperson for the station said: "It was fantastic to welcome so many people to the station for our Open Day.

“Events like this are a great opportunity to show the public around our lifeboats, explain what we do, and answer questions about our lifesaving service.

“It's always incredibly rewarding to hear visitors' stories and their connections to lifeboat stations around the country.

“We were especially pleased to meet people we have helped in the past who came in to say hello.

At the end of the day, everything was ‘put back in its place,’ and the crew reflected on the evening’s events, expressing gratitude for both the high turnout and the thoughtful questions posed by visitors.

A special note of thanks must also go to the Salcombe Larks for their music and continued support for RNLI Salcombe, and to the visitors who showed their support and enthusiasm.