For the first time in seven years there will be a rare opportunity for the general public to see, at close quarters, the work of the RNLI volunteer lifeboat crews and RNLI lifeguards when the Royal National Lifeboat Institution opens the hatches of its headquarters, in Poole, Dorset, on Saturday 16 July 2005.

Visitors can watch lifeboat rescue demonstrations that will take place in the RNLI survival pool and at sea � and they might even have the opportunity to get wet themselves. For those wanting to stay dry � the world�s first lifeboat simulator will let people experience first hand what it�s like to be at the helm of a lifeboat, saving lives at sea.

The unique day will also see the assembly of an RNLI fleet representing every class of current RNLI lifeboat, including its rescue hovercraft. Visitors can walk aboard the lifeboats where they�ll also have a chance to meet and chat with the crews and lifeguards to find out about life as a rescuer at sea.

Children of all ages will be able take part in other fun and interactive workshops and talks, including learning to tie knots at the Get Knotted fun zone. Timed for the start of the summer holidays, RNLI lifeguards and its education team will be also be on hand to give adults and kids safety advice to ensure that all trips to the seaside remain incident and stress free.

Clare Kavanagh, RNLI Open Day Manager says,

�Many people who visit the British and Irish seaside spot the RNLI lifeboat crews out at sea or its lifeguards on the beach, so we hope that anyone who has ever wondered what it entails to be a volunteer crew member or a lifeguard will grab the opportunity to visit us � they�ll be very welcome.

She continues, �Many adults and children may be disappointed that they�ve just missed the Trafalgar celebrations and the International Festival of the Sea � so we hope that they�ll come along and enjoy reviewing the RNLI fleet instead.� The RNLI Open Day coincides with SeaBritain 2005 that encourages people to take a fresh look at the sea. In addition to supporting this, the RNLI hopes that its Open Day will help the Year of the Volunteer by highlighting good citizenship skills by encouraging an understanding of the work of its volunteer crews � who go to the aid of others, and whose reward is the satisfaction of helping those in danger.

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Notes to editors

1. The media are invited to attend the Open Day on Saturday 16 July, or if they prefer can visit on Friday 15 July for a preview of what the public can see and do. Anyone wishing to attend should contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 66 3184 / 3510 / 3127 / 3181 / 2218.

2. RNLI HQ is situated in West Quay Road, Poole, Dorset. BH15 1HZ. Telephone 0845 122 6999. Doors Open 10am � 6pm for the Open Day.

3. The RNLI HQ is located 5 minutes walk from Poole train station.

4. Please contact the RNLI press office on the number below to enquire about the entertainment and workshop programme, media opportunities and interviews.

5. Attached are thumbnail images of The Lifeboat College, a capsize drill in the RNLI survival pool, the Lifeboat simulator, volunteer lifeboat crews in action and children at RNLI events. For higher resolution images call the RNLI press office on the numbers below.

6. The RNLI provides the best possible lifeboats, equipment and training to ensure that its volunteer lifeboat crews and beach lifeguards can do their job in the safest and surest way.

7. The RNLI's annual running costs are around �119m � approximately �325,000 per day � and, as a registered charity, the organisation continues to rely on voluntary contributions and legacies for income.

For more information please telephone the RNLI press office on 01202 66 3184 / 2218 / 3510 / 3127 / 3181

www.rnli.org.uk