Helensburgh RNLI to celebrate 60th anniversary with open day

The current crew, management team and fundraisers at the Rhu Marina base are hosting the free event to mark the diamond anniversary.

The public, past and present volunteers and supports of the Helensburgh lifeboat are invited to come along from 11am until 2pm on Saturday, June 21.

(Image: Helensburgh RNLI) Visitors to the station will have a unique insight into the operations of the lifeboat station and the challenges faced by the crew and volunteer teams, alongside family-friendly activities that make it an event not to be missed.

The station was founded in June 1965 with a D-class lifeboat provided by the Helensburgh Ladies Lifeboat Guild.

In 1972, the vessel was withdrawn with the replacement of an Atlantic 21 class lifeboat.

The first boathouse in June 1968 (Image: Helensburgh RNLI) Howard Morrison, lifeboat operations manager said: "We are looking forward to welcoming everyone to the lifeboat station.

"This is our first open day for several years and we are delighted to be able to showcase the lifesaving work of the crew and celebrate 60 years of the lifeboat station.”

(Image: Helensburgh RNLI) There will also be an opportunity to meet the crew to hear first-hand accounts of their experiences, learn about their rigorous training and what it means to be part of a crew which saves lives at sea.

A sea safety demonstration will take place at 1pm and there is a chance to take a look back at the history of the past 60 years.

Tea, coffee and homemade cakes will be provided and lifeboat theme games and activities are available for children.