Thousands turn out for Humber Rescue's open day

3 hours ago

David McKenna,East Yorkshire and Lincolnshireand

Jake Zuckerman,Hessle

News image — Organisers say the event plays a vital role in fundraising for the charity

Jake Zuckerman/BBC Large crowds of people gathered at the open day event. There are numerous stalls in the background. — Organisers say the event plays a vital role in fundraising for the charity

Thousands of people have attended an open day in East Yorkshire in aid of an independent, volunteer-run lifeboat charity.

The Humber Rescue event at Hessle Foreshore featured family entertainment, demonstrations, and a chance for visitors to meet volunteer crew members and learn more about the work of the charity.

Event organiser Yusef Forster said as a self-funded charity relying entirely on public donations, the open day played a vital role in Humber Rescue's fundraising each year.

"Without us it would take a good hour for another lifeboat to get here, or for anyone else to access the river," he said.

Jake Zuckerman/BBC Yusef Forster standing on Hessle Foreshore with the Humber Bridge visible over his right shoulder. He is wearing a pink hi-vis top and a black polo shirt. He has dark brown hair and is smiling at the camera. — Yusef Forster said the event also helped to highlight the work undertaken by volunteer crew members

Forster claimed Humber Rescue, which covers the Humber Estuary and surrounding rivers, was the busiest independent lifeboat operation in the UK, adding he was delighted by the number of people who attended the open day.

"Just looking at the amount of people, it will obviously increase our presence," he added.

Jake Zuckerman/BBC A man wearing a blue shirt with epilates. He has short hair and a beard and is standing on a shoreline. — Alan Stewart, from HM Coastguard, says it is vital to spread the message about water safety

Meanwhile, Alan Stewart, from HM Coastguard, which works closely with Humber Rescue, said it was vital people supported the "amazing" work of the charity.

He said the open day was also an opportunity to spread the message about water safety, particularly in light of recent events in Withernsea and Hornsea.

On 2 January in Withernsea, Sarah Keeling, 45, and passer-by Mark Ratcliffe, 67, died after entering the water to try to save Keeling's 15-year-old daughter, Grace, after she was swept out to sea.

Grace's body was found on 15 January.

Last week, reports of a teenage boy getting into difficulty in the sea off Hornsea prompted a major search.

Police later confirmed they had recovered a body.