Relay And Rescue: Cowes Mayday Event Showcases Lifesaving Services With White Dolphin Dive Club

[Credit: Bryan Robinson] Caption: Cowes RNLI lifeboat, Sheena Louise, during demonstration

The community of Cowes and beyond showed their strong support for the RNLI on Saturday as Cowes Lifeboat Station hosted a successful Mayday fundraising event.

Cowes’ flanking RNLI stations Yarmouth, Calshot and independent Solent Rescue lifeboat

attended the event.

Visitors were able to meet the volunteer crew members, get a closer look at the lifeboats, learn about the lifesaving equipment and the crucial role these volunteers play in keeping our local waters safe.

The event saw representatives from the Cowes fire service, coastguard teams from around the Isle of Wight and St John’s Ambulance Service offering valuable insights into their respective roles and how they work together to ensure public safety.

The Wight Dolphins diving group also attended and took part in an RNLI rescue demonstration.

A key highlight of the day was the Mayday Mile, which saw RNLI and coastguard crew running a relay across the Parade, from Cowes RNLI Station to Trinity Pontoon.

Crew members raced to don their dry-suits, with enthusiastic support from the watching crowd.

The relay ended spectacularly with a team made up of both RNLI and Coastguard crew racing with the RNLI’s ‘Dead Fred’ training dummy on a stretcher.

Willoughby Matthews, who organised the event alongside his brother, Josh, said:

“We were overwhelmed by the fantastic turnout. It was a great opportunity to connect with our community and share what we do.

"The funds raised today will make a real difference in ensuring we can continue to be there to help those in need at sea.”

Cowes RNLI would like to extend their sincere thanks to everyone who attended, volunteered their time, and contributed to the success of the day.

Donations to the RNLI can be made via

https://rnli.org/support-us/give-money/donate