By the time this issue of the Lifeboat reaches you, the Schroders London International Boat Show 2004 will already be in full swing. This year's event, which runs from 8-18 January, is special for several reasons.

Not only is the show celebrating its 50th anniversary, it is also taking place at ExCel in Docklands for the first time. The RNLI has taken full advantage of the new venue's facilities so that visitors can see an all weather lifeboat moored afloat - another first for the show.Visitors exploring the half a mile of dockside tall ships, historic London boats and naval craft will find the relief Severn class lifeboat Daniel L Gibson berthed at D1. The lifeboat is open to the public throughout the show and their guides are lifeboat crew members who are able to relate their lifesaving experiences. As a result, it is hoped that visitors will stop off at the main stand where they can help break the RNLI boat show recruitment record by becoming a member.

Sharon New, RNLI supporter recruitment manager said: 'Last year at London we recruited 600 members, with 695 people joining us at the Southampton boat show. We're aiming to top these figures by recruiting around 1,000 new members at this year's London show.

Bringing the Daniel i Gibson to ExCeL is part of our new campaign to raise awareness and increase membership.' The main RNLI stand can be found at B600, in the boulevard area between the north and south halls. Here staff and volunteers are concentrating on recruiting Offshore members. The Offshore membership grade, aimed at people who regularly use the sea for pleasure, is particularly relevant to the majority of show visitors. As an additional incentive, all visitors who sign up there and then will receive a free Offshore bear.

The RNLI also has a second, smaller stand in the East Hall at E3094, where windsurfing and canoeing activities arebased. In this area staff and volunteers are giving out free Sea Safety advice and conducting daily lifejacket demonstrations in the pool. These demonstrations proved such a hit at the Southampton Boat Show that some chandlery exhibitors sold out of lifejackets as a result.

The London Boat Show is a great day out, with plenty to see and do for all the family. Why not drop by and see the RNLI?.