RNLI Open Day

The RNLI HQ is in Poole and they had their Open Day last weekend. Sunday being the better (weather wise) of the two days we went then. Here you see a demonstration of the the capsize and righting of a 'D' class lifeboat with three crew members. All this was done in the inside pool. The pool has a wave machine which can produce a variety of different waves.



This is a demonstration of an experimental lifeboat which is powered by water jets. It can spin on the spot and can decelerate from full power in two boat lengths!



The launching of the 'D' class lifeboat. We also had a flypast by the coastguard. I'm surprised they had time on such a busy weekend (flooding in the Midlands). Some of the demostrations were cancelled because many of the lifeboat crew were on duty helping out with rescuing people cut off by the floods.



If you look hard enough you will realise that this is a model, and an exceptionally good one at that.



The beach was brought in for sandcastle competitions. The kids enjoyed it and also some of the Mums and Dads.