Cornwall is such a popular destination that offers a stunning coastline, which reaches over 300 miles. The south-west region of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution is one of the busiest in the UK in order to maintain their high health and safety standards for locals and visitors.
In the future, when restrictions have started to cease and it is possible to start planning your future family-friendly holidays in Cornwall, we hope you will consider one of our self-catering cottages at The Valley.
The Cornish Coast
Cornwall has always attracted visitors, and its ever-growing popularity is partially due to the sea. Because of how attracted visitors and locals are to the Cornish seaside and its clear water, it is paramount that their safety and protection are enforced.
Cornwall is home to 12 lifeboat stations; their at-sea rescue services are said to be second to none and they have the largest fleet out of the counties in the UK.
Lifeboat Days
Lifeboat days are supported and held throughout the summertime. Depending on the current Covid restrictions this may not be possible this year. Lifeboat days usually consist of an atmosphere similar to a carnival with demonstrations and often accompanied by the attendance of a SAR helicopter from RNAS Culdrose.
Cornish Stations
The lifeboats are filled with their volunteering crew who are on call for 365 days a year and 24 hours a day. Each Station is equipped to suit the local conditions by using different boats and different methods of launching.
Some stations are usually open for the public to tour the station and boat, others have a shop attached where you can visit and purchase souvenirs. Although the lifeboat services are continuing to operate, due to the pandemic the lifeboat stations and shops are currently closed.
Some of the stations scattered along the coast of Cornwall include locations such as:
- Bude
- Falmouth
- Fowey
- Looe
- Newquay
- Padstow
- Penlee
- St Agnes
- The Lizard
When planning to visit a lifeboat station, you might notice that each will come under a category that will either consist of: Explore, Observe and Discover. This is due to the activities that are involved with each lifeboat station.
Explore Stations
Explore stations, such as Padstow and Falmouth, allow visitors to roam around the station for the majority of the year. Explore stations also include an RNLI gift shop as well as the possibility of a pre-arranged tour.
Observe Stations
Observe stations, such as The Lizard and Penlee, are in locations that are slightly more inaccessible, they are much more suited to maritime rescue rather than hosting visitors. Although, they are situated in stunning locations so you can still enjoy your surroundings.
Discover Stations
Although Discover stations, such as St Agnes and Sennen Cove, are eager to welcome visitors, the lifeboat stations were built before the thought of tours and visitors were considered. So instead, Discover Stations will usually open their boathouse doors during the summertime.
For more information and fascinating facts about Cornwall, you can browse through our blog. Or if you’d like to enjoy a piece of Cornwall at home throughout lockdown, why not check out our delicious recipes that also feature on our blog!