Weymouth Lifeboat Week takes place online

Plans for the event to run in its usual capacity had to be scrapped this year due to the pandemic.

Lifeboat week is typically one of the biggest fundraising events for the RNLI station in any given year. The virtual event began on Sunday and will continue to Saturday August 1.

Tim Anderton, a member of the Weymouth Lifeboat crew, said: “Putting a large group of people in a place at the moment obviously isn't a good idea but it's important that we do something.

"We get a lot of support from the community and it's nice to be able to give something back.

“A normal lifeboat week is an important part of our fundraising and obviously that's a big hole we've missed this year, even if it just brings a small amount it all goes in the right direction.

“It also gives people a chance to have a look at what we've been doing.”

Whilst the usual displays will not be possible this year, Weymouth Lifeboat will be sharing content on its Facebook page to engage their supporters. This will include ‘meet the crew’ style videos, content on the boats the organisation use and videos and photos of rescues and situations the crew has been called out to in recent years.

There will also be a story reading from local entertainment service, Wish Upon a Starre, to entertain young supporters.

Mr Anderton added: “There were several people who weren't sure how to get donations across to us so we set up a Justgiving page. We have been able to raise the target already which is great.

“Hopefully we're able to have a big event next year. Last year when we did the 'Parade of Sail' it was incredible, around 200 boats came down and there were thousands of people on the quayside.

“If everything has started to clear up by then, it would be great to have some lifeboat displays back on and make it a big event again.”

To follow this week’s proceedings, visit the Weymouth Lifeboat Facebook page. To make a donation, visit www.justgiving.com/weymouthlifeboat.