Littlehampton RNLI: Your chance to see behind the scenes and drive a remote-control lifeboat replica

The lifeboat station is inviting everyone to its annual open day on Sunday, July 21.

"The action-packed day – which is part of Littlehampton Harbour’s Waterfront Festival – will give members of the public the opportunity to find out all about their local RNLI lifeboat station and the vital role its volunteers play in saving lives at sea,” an RNLI spokesperson said.

"From 10am to 4pm, visitors will be able to take a closer look at the lifeboat station’s two lifeboats – Renee Sherman and Ray of Hope – tour the boathouse and crew room, meet the crew, and find out what it’s like to be ‘out on a shout’.

Subject to taskings, the crew will conduct a search and rescue demonstration in Littlehampton Harbour.

Visitors will also be able to find out more about how to stay safe at the coast and in the water from Littlehampton RNLI’s water safety team.

The spokesperson added: “Meanwhile, Littlehampton RNLI’s fundraising crew will host fun activities for all the family, including a race against the clock to dress as quickly as possible in full RNLI crew kit, face painting, glitter tattoos, scavenger hunt, plant sale, and a stall selling RNLI goodies. The RNLI’s mascot ‘Stormy Stan’ will greet people alongside his inflatable lifeboat.

"New for 2024 is a chance to drive a remote-control replica Arun-Class lifeboat. The Arun-Class lifeboat was built in Littlehampton and was named after the River Arun. The lifeboats served the RNLI from 1971 to 2008.”

Nick White, Littlehampton RNLI’s lifeboat operations manager, said the station is ‘right at the heart of Littlehampton Harbour’.

He added: “We’re extremely lucky and grateful to have the full support of the community for our lifesaving work. We’re all local people, and we’re all volunteers, so we always enjoy opening our doors to let everyone find out more about what we do and how we save lives at sea.”

Cian Mathews, Littlehampton RNLI’s fundraising chairman, added: "Our open day is shaping up to be a very special event, and there’s going to be lots to do for all the family. This year, the RNLI is celebrating its 200th anniversary, so we’re aiming to make this Littlehampton RNLI’s biggest and best open day yet!”