MAKING WAVES IN DUNBAR

In January, a group of young surfers from the Wave Project – an organisation that helps young people reduce anxiety and increase confidence through its award-winning surf courses – paid a visit to Dunbar Lifeboat Station – and the crew made a lasting impression. Layla (19) says: ‘It was amazing to learn how volunteers have to have all the equipment on within a minute. It’s a lot to get on and its pretty
heavy! All the volunteers are so brave.’ Wave Project Coordinator Jamie Marshall says: ‘The opportunity to not only learn more about ocean safety, but to meet the volunteer heroes who make the sea a safer place around the UK, was fantastic. I think the seeds for some future RNLI crew may have been planted!’
Find out more about the Wave Project, which has branches throughout the UK, at waveproject.co.uk.

WATER SAFETY SCOTLAND LAUNCHES

Water Safety Scotland, a new drowning prevention initiative, aims to tackle accidental deaths by drowning and reduce water-related suicide. An average of 50 people drown in Scotland every year as the
result of an accident and a further 29 lose their lives to suicide in and near water.
The RNLI is part of this initiative, along with the Royal Life Saving Society UK, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, Police Scotland, and community representatives. We are working together to deliver an engaging education programme to secondary school pupils, teaching them how to make dynamic risk
assessments when in, on and near the water. Some of these students are also being trained as water safety ambassadors to visit local primary schools. Gillian Barclay, mother of Cameron Lancaster who lost his life in Fife Quarry in 2014, says: ‘The loss of Cameron is the saddest and most difficult challenge I have ever faced. I’m very grateful to Water Safety Scotland for allowing me to get involved from the perspective of someone who has lost a child in a drowning accident.’

NEW LIFEBOAT FOR LOCH NESS

The team from Loch Ness Lifeboat Station took proud delivery of their new Atlantic 85 lifeboat in January. Spirits were high as the Sheila & Dennis Tongue IV arrived at Loch Ness after its long journey from RNLI Headquarters in Poole, Dorset. The inshore lifeboat was lifted into Urquhart Harbour before being put on a carriage and winched into the new boathouse for the very first time. The new vessel completes the story of Loch Ness Lifeboat Station’s long-awaited new boathouse and volunteers are thrilled to finally be up and running with both.

Trossachs  BOWLING CLUB SCORES BIG

Causewayhead Bowling Club were recently presented with a Framed Certificate of Thanks for their continued fundraising. Since 2011, their annual lifeboat days in support of the Trossachs Branch have delivered an excellent £5,000 to help save lives at sea.

WHAT'S ON

Details might have changed since going to print, so please check in advance to avoid disappointment. To find out what else is on near you, see RNLI.org/events.

MULL MUSIC FESTIVAL
19–23 April
Tobermory, Mull
A vibrant weekend of Scottish music, featuring folk-rock, fiddle, accordion and ceilidh bands.

MAYDAY FAMILY FUN DAY
6 May, 12–4pm
Deeside Activity Park, Dess by Aboyne Rescue demonstrations, safety information and children’s activities. Meet crew and other emergency lifesavers including the Coastguard and Mountain Rescue. For more information contact Anne Scott on [email protected].

30TH BURNMOUTH BRAE RACE
6 May, from midday
Burnmouth Brae, Ayton
Take on the notoriously steep Brae by foot or on bike for the RNLI. Multiple distances available, open to adults and children alike. Visit rnli-burnmouth-brae-race.weebly.com or [email protected].

MAYDAY COASTAL CHALLENGE
12 May, 10.15am
Light Tower, Town Pier, North Queensferry Choose your distance and join in a treasure hunt along the coast or a welly throwing competition at Silver Sands. Ends at Kinghorn Lifeboat Station with a tour and refreshments. Email [email protected] for details.

RNLI SCOTTISH AGM
6 June
Perth Concert Hall
The Scottish Annual General Meeting will take place in Perth. Contact 0300 300 9995 or email [email protected] if you would like to attend.
Send details of your events for the summer issue (mid-July onwards) to [email protected].