Lifeboat enthusiasts and local families can step aboard real rescue vessels and meet their local lifesavers at a special summer event. Hoylake and West Kirby RNLI are inviting the community to check out their search and rescue equipment and enjoy a fun-filled day out. The Wirral stations’ annual Meet & Greet Day takes place from 10am until 4pm at Hoylake Lifeboat Station on North Parade, Saturday, July 25, 2026. All proceeds raised from the community event will go towards supporting the lifesaving charity.
Vessels and Vehicles on Display
Visitors will have the chance to tour Hoylake RNLI’s all-weather Shannon class lifeboat and hovercraft, as well as West Kirby RNLI’s inshore IB1 lifeboat. The stations’ impressive launch and recovery vehicles will also be on display, including Hoylake’s Shannon Launch and Recovery System (SLARS) and West Kirby’s Hagglund BV206 launch vehicle - the only vehicle of its type based on a station in the RNLI.
Meet the Crews and Learn About Lifesaving
Volunteer crews will showcase how they work together with their specialist equipment to save lives at sea and around the region’s coast, alongside the Wirral Coastguard Rescue Team. A range of RNLI gifts and souvenirs will be available to buy, including the charity’s popular Christmas cards and calendars. Refreshments will also be served throughout the day, including hot drinks and delicious homemade sweet treats.
Family Fun and Fundraising
Supporters can win prizes in a fundraising raffle and tombola, and explore stalls from the RNLI Water Safety team, Birkenhead Kennels, and second-hand maritime books. A selection of classic cars and a miniature steam railway will also be on show. Carron Jones, Hoylake and West Kirby RNLI branch fundraising chair, said: "This really special event gives our local lifesavers the chance to welcome the community and showcase the lifesaving vessels, equipment and kit they use to save lives at sea."
She added: "Our Meet & Greet Day is a free, family-friendly event with plenty of brilliant ways to learn more about the RNLI’s lifesaving work and enjoy a fun day out. There will be refreshments available and if the weather is kind, visitors are welcome to bring a picnic and enjoy the day on our beautiful coast. Our RNLI shop will be selling some fantastic gifts and souvenirs and there will be a range of activities promoting water safety skills as we head into the school summer holidays. We’re really looking forward to welcoming everyone along to support Hoylake and West Kirby RNLI’s lifeboat crews."
Impact of the RNLI
In 2025, lifeboats around the UK and Ireland launched more than 9,000 times and helped 8,290 people, making it the sixth-busiest year in the charity’s history, with 272 lives saved. The RNLI relies on voluntary donations to power its work, which last year cost a total of £196.9m. Last year’s event raised almost £5,000 to fund the team's vital work.
Getting There and Donating
With public parking limited on North Parade, visitors are encouraged to walk, cycle, or use public transport where possible. Anyone wishing to donate online to support the stations can visit the Hoylake RNLI fundraising page.
