THE annual Bude Lifeboat Day, celebrating the work of the RNLI and Bude Lifeboat Station, saw the town a-buzz with different activities, events and opportunities to understand the work that is carried out on a daily basis by the crews.

The turnout for this year’s event, starting on Saturday, saw the highest attendance in years, with locals and holidaymakers alike flocking into the town to see the variety of RNLI events taking place.

The warm, sunny weather was certain to bring in more members of the public, and didn’t disappoint, making Bude Lifeboat Day on Monday, one to be enjoyed by everyone.

Bude RNLI branch chairman, Paul Finn, said: “The weather was perfect, which makes a difference. The event showed how a small community can run a big event, which is great.”

A highlight of the day was the arrival of the Mersey lifeboat, which was locked into the canal and watched by masses of people.

The lifeboat had come in from Ilfracombe, with two members of crew from Bude, Mike Tame and Liam Sharpe, overseeing it with members of Ilfracombe Lifeboat.

The Mersey lifeboat was then open all day for members of the public to have a look around, being called a ‘real highlight’.

Beside the countless activities in the Bude RNLI marquee in the Castle grounds, a rescue demonstration by the new HM Coastguard helicopter team was another highlight of the weekend, giving a fascinating revelation of how a rescue would take place.

Expected at 3pm, the helicopter had to attend a shout in the South Coast, but members of the public awaited their arrival patiently and were marveled by the helicopter’s rescue demonstration, starting at approximately 3.45pm.

Lisa Tame, press officer for Bude RNLI branch, said: “The helicopter was a great highlight for everyone, I think. It showed how it operates with Bude Lifeboat and the coastguard.

“Overall, the day gave members of the public the chance to see the difference between the different lifeboats and to see how the crew work with the lifeguards and coastguard. It also gave, not only people from the town but holidaymakers and tourists, an insight to see how the lifeboat works and what it does on a daily basis.

“People have also been taught on how to respect the water, what to do in case of an emergency and to spot the dangers quickly.”

Mr Finn added: “I thought it was a wonderful day, the weather was kind and there was a lot of holidaymakers.

“There were enough people around, making it a really, really good event. From the events in the Castle grounds during the day to the fireworks in the evening, it was a wonderful day, and I’m sure the event has made a lot of money for the RNLI.

“A highlight was the Mersey lifeboat, which was locked in, and I think everyone thoroughly enjoyed the pass by the Red Arrows, which certainly was the talk of the day.”