Burnham on Crouch Lifeboat Station opened its doors to the public free of charge for it’s best ever Open Day on Sunday 28 June 2009.

The event was attended by hundreds of visitors who were treated to a variety of activities and plenty of fun including the spectacle of watching Town Mayor Carole Noble push Lifeboat Operations Manager Sir Richard Rycroft Bt in the marina – all for a donation equivalent to Sir Richards age!

Both the Atlantic 75 and IB1 Lifeboats were on display throughout the day and visitors were able to speak to crew members about the work of the RNLI, it’s crews and support staff.

Visitors enjoyed regular demonstrations and simulated rescues held throughout the day in the glorious sunshine, to demonstrate the abilities and teamwork of the crew and the Lifeboats and RNLI souvenir sales totalled well over £600 – a record amount for the station.

The youngest crew member, Samantha Weetch, recently returned from the Lifeboat College in Poole Dorset, demonstrated her newly learned skills showing the excellent manoeuvrability of the IB1 Lifeboat.

Once again retired Arun Class Lifeboat ‘Maximus’, was present on the day and visitors were able to tour the Lifeboat and speak to the owners about it’s previous life in service and the role it now plays on the Rivers around Burnham.

The RNLI Sea Safety Roadshow and Sea Safety Officers were on hand to offer tips and advice on how best to stay safe at sea.

To view photos from the day, click here