Cowes To Host 999 Emergency Services Day This Weekend

The public is being invited to Cowes Parade this weekend for a special 999 Emergency Services Day.

The free event, hosted by Cowes RNLI, will take place on Saturday, May 2 from 11am to 3pm, offering families the chance to meet local emergency services and learn life-saving skills.

Visitors will be able to get up close to RNLI lifeboats from across the Island, including both inshore and all-weather vessels, as well as meet the volunteer crews and hear about their rescue experiences.

There will also be opportunities to learn more about water safety, with experts on hand to offer advice ahead of the busy summer season.

St John Ambulance Isle of Wight will be delivering live CPR demonstrations throughout the day, showing people what to do in the event of a cardiac arrest.

Live rescue displays are also planned, giving an insight into how emergency services work together during incidents.

The RNLI’s Water Safety Team from Yarmouth will be providing guidance on lifejacket care, including how to choose, fit and maintain equipment properly.

One of the highlights of the day will be the annual Mayday Mile relay race, where HM Coastguard and RNLI teams go head-to-head.

Event organiser and Cowes RNLI volunteer Willoughby Matthews said it promises to be a great day out for all ages.

He said it is a fantastic opportunity for the community to support local emergency services while also learning how to stay safe on and off the water.