Last Friday evening the Cowes Inshore Lifeboat received a huge cash boost of £13,000 following a well supported auction.
Held every two years, the auctions are hosted by the Royal Yacht Squadron and this year’s event was attended by over 200 people, making it the most successful auction to date. The aim of the auctions is to generate sufficient funds to ensure the volunteer independent lifeboat can continue its crucial work of providing the only Cowes based operational rescue service. Over the course of the two hour event, numerous businesses and individuals kindly donated a variety of lots, meaning the Cowes Inshore Lifeboat can continue to patrol the Solent and provide help in emergencies.
Established in 1989 under the direct control of H.M Coastguard at Lee-On-Solent, Cowes Inshore Lifeboat service is run all year round, and does not receive any financial help from other lifesaving organisations, highlighting the importance of events such as the auction. Consisting of approximately 25 members, the team responds to an average of 35-40 emergency calls a year, coming to the aid of 100-130 people.
Following the great success of the event, Cowes Inshore Lifeboat will no doubt be already planning for future fundraisers, and the swimmers and sailors of Cowes can continue to take heart in the presence of this tremendous service.