40 children and their parents made a special visit to Burnham-On-Sea’s lifeboat and hovercraft stations during a sea safety day earlier this month.
The young visitors were split into groups and took turns to check out the lifeboats, launch tractors and specialised RNLI safety kit.
The BARB rescue hovercraft station was also open for the young visitors, who were able to sit in ‘The Light of Elizabeth’ hovercraft and talk to volunteer hovercraft crew.
Beach lifeguards supervisor Luke Yabsley also talked about lifeguarding and beach safety during the Storm Force Day event.
After the talks, both Burnham-On-Sea lifeboats and the Spirit of Lelaina hovercraft was launched, so that the visitors could see them in action.
It was also a notable occasion since Lifeboats Education Officer Tony Deahl stepped down from his post after eight years of telling children and adults all about the RNLI.
Tony estimates to have made contact with around 5,000 children and 2,000 adults during his time.
Lifeboat Operations Manager Ricky Holmes said: “Tony has been an asset to the station, and we all wish him well. This was a great Storm Force Day, and Tony is leaving us on a high.”
