The Historic Dockyard Chatham is celebrating the 200th anniversary of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI).
Visitors are invited to experience a brand new exhibition showcasing the heroic tales of the men and women who have risked their lives to save others, in times of calm and amidst the most treacherous storms. Only available for a limited time until 1 September 2024, this showcase is included in the entry ticket to The Historic Dockyard Chatham, making it an unmissable experience for visitors of all ages.
A world-leading search and rescue organisation, the RNLI’s lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 144,000 lives since its founding in 1824. From triumphs to tragedies; from oar-powered vessels to the boats packed with cutting-edge technology used today; from introducing the first lifeboats on the River Thames to rolling-out a UK beach lifeguard service; from running the UK and Ireland’s biggest ever drowning prevention campaigns to working with others to save lives overseas – the RNLI has a remarkable 200-year story to tell.
In addition, families are invited to an event that follows the story of mischievous ‘Scatty the Seagull’ who was lured into a playful game of hide and seek by puffins ‘Petey’ and ‘Polly’, resulting in lifebuoys being scattered throughout the 80-acre site. Children will be challenged to assist Stormy Stan and take on the role of a hero as they navigate through the Dockyard, overcoming obstacles, completing safety checks, and unraveling the twists and turns that await. Alongside the trail, visitors will be able to meet Stormy Stan himself and pose for photos across Easter weekend and other selected dates.
Click here to discover more about the RNLI exhibition at The Historic Dockyard Chatham.
