RNLI PUTS OUT AN S.O.S TO LONDON BOAT SHOW VISITORS…

…‘Steer Our Ship’ and ‘See Our Seminars’ at Excel

In the run up to the RNLI’s biggest fundraising day – SOS Day – on Friday 30 January, the RNLI is putting out an SOS to all boaters and watersports enthusiasts attending the Excel London Boat Show (9–18 January 2009) to visit the RNLI’s stand (N15D) because as a charity, the RNLI relies on the generosity of public donations to help keep its lifeboats afloat.

The RNLI’s stand is packed full of interactive activities and demonstrations, including a chance to ‘Steer Our Ship’ by taking the helm of a lifeboat training simulator, to ‘See Our Seminars’ and to view the RNLI Photographer of the Year (2008) winning images which document the work of the lifesaving charity.

The RNLI’s series of FREE seminars (on stand N15D) at Excel, are open to all who enjoy serious fun on the water. They are running every day (11am – 5pm) and offer a twenty-minute practical look at a range of subjects including sea safety, boat maintenance, the clothing technology developed by Helly Hansen for Team Ericsson in the Volvo Ocean Race and also a look at the technological advances in RNLI lifeboat design.

The RNLI’s seminars are supported by Helly Hansen, Sea Start and International Paint who have each put forward expert presenters to talk on the respective subjects of serious clothing (Helly Hansen), engine breakdown (Sea Start) and antifouling technology (International Paint). RNLI sea safety volunteers are presenting the seminars on lifejackets and calling for help and the RNLI’s Technical Department is talking about technological advances in lifeboat design.

The RNLI seminars are running every day of the Boat Show at the following times:

11:00   Lifejackets – RNLI Sea Safety

What to buy, how to wear and how to look after.

12:00   Calling for help – RNLI Sea Safety

From a whistle to an EPIRB, all your options, whatever your watersport.

13:00   Engine breakdown – Sea Start

Why boats breakdown and what you could do to reduce your chances of needing a lifeboat.

14:00   Serious clothing – Helly Hansen

Serious fun on the water needs the right gear, as the Ericsson Racing Team competing in the Volvo Ocean Race well know.  Helly Hansen explain the latest in sailing clothing technology and how this is available to you.

15:00   Antifouling technology – International Paint

How to keep that growth at bay, what are the options and how do you choose        what’s best for your boat?

16:00   Technological advances in lifeboat design – RNLI

Design, engineering and technology behind the latest lifeboats in the RNLI fleet.

17:00   Engine breakdown – Sea Start

Why boats breakdown and what you could do to reduce your chances of needing a lifeboat.

RNLI sea safety volunteers are also on stand (N15D) to provide free sea safety advice, a lifejacket clinic and a look at lifejackets through the ages. If you fancy a spot of retail therapy then the RNLI’s shop has nautically inspired gifts, or why not become a regular supporter of the charity that rescues over 4,000 leisure craft a year by becoming a member. Come aboard a Severn class all-weather lifeboat (berth D60 in the marina) and meet volunteer lifeboat crew, learn more about their training and search and rescue at sea.

Commenting on the RNLI’s presence at the 2009 London Boat Show, Linda Vatcher, National Exhibitions & Events Manager for the RNLI says:

‘We sincerely hope that all who enjoy going afloat who are attending the show will visit the RNLI’s stand, sit in on a seminar or two and consider making a donation or, better still, become a regular supporter. In the face of an economic downturn, the RNLI needs the boating public’s support more than ever to help the charity that saves lives at sea weather the financial storm.’

The RNLI’s Sea Safety team are co-presenting a lifejacket show on the main stage at 3:30pm each day in partnership with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency and the Royal Yachting Association. The show covers the fitting and maintenance of lifejackets, while also offering recommendations on additional equipment for your lifejacket.