The Royal National Lifeboat Institution’s Portsmouth lifeboat station in Ferry Road, Eastney will be welcoming families and the general public to its Open Day on Sunday 15th August between 11am and 3pm.

This annual event enables visitors to see one of the RNLI’s busiest lifeboat stations in action, and meet the all volunteer crew and staff. Our crew are on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week throughout the year to save lives on the beaches and at sea in the Solent area.

The station’s two lifeboats, the Atlantic 75 CSMA - Frizzell and D class Brian’s Pride will be demonstrating simulated rescues throughout the day, showing their excellent manoeuvrability and quick response of these well equipped and seaworthy craft. Our Crews will also be demonstrating how closely they work with Paramedics and the Coastguard.

This is a fun event for all the family and exhibits will include an RNLI Education stand, where you can brush up on your beach safety. Alternatively, relax with a cup of Lifeboat Tea to the sounds of a live band, see our crew being dunked in a dunk tank, and browse our souvenirs, tombola and second hand books, buy a raffle ticket or two, enter the Hot Dog Eating Competition, or have your face painted!

An RNLI Sea Safety stand will be on site to enable boat owners to discuss safety aspects of their craft and arrange a free, unbiased Sea Safety Check with Mal Gannon the RNLI’s local Sea Safety Officer. If you have any queries about your lifejacket, then bring it along with you for free advice!

There will also be representatives from Coast Watch, SERV, the Lowland Search Dogs - Southern, Wildlife Trust and Tall Ships Youth Trust.

Weather permitting; Portsmouth and District Canoe Club will be performing a sponsored Kayak fundraising challenge from Langstone Harbour to Sally Port and back to raise funds for the RNLI. Cheer them in as they pass the finish line off the lifeboat station!

Come and join the Portsmouth lifeboat crew for a great family fun day out and help support the RNLI lifeboat charity. See you there!

NB. All emergency boats and vehicles are subject to operational requirements