EVENTS:
Event Name: Thames River Festival – Tower Lifeboat Station Visits
When:
Thursday 5th September Martin Stewart slots at: 11:30 – 13:00; 13:30 – 15:00 and lastly 15:30 – 17:00
Saturday 14th September Jill Waite slots at: 11-12:30pm, 2-3:30pm, 4-5:30pm
Wednesday 18th September Jim Allen slots at: 11-12:30pm, 2-3:30pm, 4-5:30pm
Sunday 29th September Lydia Tanner slots at: 11-12:30pm, 2-3:30pm, 4-5:30pm
Details:
Visits to the station typically last about an hour and a half, and consist of an illustrated talk about the RNLI generally and Tower Lifeboat Station in particular including an outline of our water safety advice, watching video footage of rescues, a tour of the station including seeing the duty lifeboat with one of the crew talking about it and answering questions, and a look at the kit the crew wear with a chance for those who wish to try it on. However, this is flexible and we can try to slant the programme towards any special interests that a group may have, so long as I know in advance. There is information material to take away and small souvenirs to buy. Exactly what happens might need to change on the day, however, if the lifeboat is called out or the station facilities are required for an emergency, and we reserve the right to cancel a visit altogether if necessary for operational reasons, even at the last minute, though we would then try to arrange an alternative visit on another date/though if I had to cancel or significantly shorten the visit for operational reasons I would try to arrange an alternative visit on another date as soon as possible.
We don’t charge for visits, but as the RNLI’s lifeboat service is dependent on voluntary public giving we welcome any donations that visitors feel able to make.
The station is afloat on the river, all the rooms open onto an outside grid walkway with just a railing between it and the water, and it jolts around in the current and as vessels pass. Therefore, all visitors need to wear flat footwear and outdoor clothes suitable for the weather, and anyone susceptible to seasickness should take appropriate precautions before coming. The station is reached by a sloping access ramp, and there are three small steps from the Embankment up to the ramp, so anyone with mobility difficulties needs to be prepared for that although there is step-free access throughout the station once you have entered it. Unfortunately there is no access to public toilets.
Maximum of 18 persons on each visit slot.
Contact: Clive Kraus [email protected]