Locals and holidaymakers alike headed to Newquay's historic harbour to support Newquay RNLI’s annual Lifeboat Day on Saturday, August 17.

The day began with a parade led by Kernow Pipes and Drums followed by The Joshua, which was towed through busy streets by Lewis Timson, who is volunteer boat crew and RNLI Lead Lifeguard Supervisor, arriving at the harbour at 11am for the official opening by the Mayor of Newquay. 

The day itself kicked off at 10am, with a rock pool ramble with Mr F-Ts Shack Rock Pooling adventures and our fundraising team, crew and organisers welcoming large crowds into the station and Quay. 

There were many stalls including raffles, amazing sandwiches and cakes, face-painting, a merry-go-round, books stall, bric-a-brac and the Water Safety Team on hand to help educate people about being safe on the water. 

Highlights of the day included an operational display by Newquay and Padstow Lifeboat volunteers and RNLI Newquay Lifeguards demonstrating lifesaving techniques in the bay. 

Along with a presentation of long service medals to Gareth Horner - lifeboat operations manager, Wayne Martin - launch authority and Talus tractor driver for 50 years service, Laurence Pascoe - shore crew and tractor driver for 30 years service, Kev Walsh - Atlantic 85 crew and Talus tractor driver 20 years service and Stuart Wray, former shore crew, tractor driver and currently a member of the fundraising team for 20 years service. 

Colleagues from local Emergency services also attended with local teams from Newquay Coastguard Search and Rescue and Newquay Fire and Rescue Service with displays of their rescue equipment and vehicles.

The final event of the day was the 'Walker Cup' Gig race, with a crew of RNLI personnel racing against a crew from Newquay Rowing Club. Wayne Row from Newquay Rowing Club said 'this year's race was the closest race ever', however for the second year running the lifeboat crew took the win.

The day was a resounding success and Gareth Horner, lifeboat operations manager said: ‘We cannot thank everyone enough for coming along and supporting us. The RNLI relies on donations and legacies, monies are still being counted, however we are delighted that Newquay Lifeboat Day 2024 was a truly successful and thoroughly enjoyable day all round'. 

“Everyone at our station, crew and fundraisers, are immensely proud of how successful this years event was and it’s safe to say all the hard work that they put in to organise this event has well and truly paid off. 

“Special thanks go to Padstow Lifeboat Crew, RNLI Lifeguards Newquay, Newquay Rowing Club Singers, Newquay Rowing Club, Mr F-Ts Shack Rock Pooling adventures, Jean and Thomas – Candy Floss and sweets, Linda and Paul – Carousel, Marie Lepage - Face painter, Vaughan Kessell, Ed Munley and Ian Pengelly - Stormy Stan, RNLI Face to Face Team, RNLI Water Safety Team, Rotary Club of Newquay, Newquay Lions Club, Radio Newquay, RNLI shop volunteers, Newquay RNLI Fundraising Team for Teddy Tombola, cakes, tombola, raffle, drinks, jigsaws and book stalls.”