Next weekend Cowes will host the annual event "Ribex" and it is your chance to come and meet the "Unsung Heroes of the Sea" as described by event organiser Hugo Montgomery-Swan. The Independent lifeboat stations have been chosen as the official charity to benefit from the event this year and the local units will be available throughout the weekend to demonstrate the services they provide on and off the water.

Michaela White, the organiser on behalf of all the units is keen to use this as an opportunity to highlight the valuable contribution that these units play within the United Kingdom's Search and Rescue Framework:

"Everyone has heard of the RNLI but the general public are still mislead into believing that they are 'The' charity that saves lives at sea, unaware that there are over 60 independent (non RNLI) lifeboats that operate around the country. At Ribex we aim to highlight these independent units that work to the same high standard but on a fraction of the cost."

The "I-Lifeboat" stand will be manned by the volunteer crew of the local lifeboat units and waterborne displays will take place everyday subject to operational requirements. Maybe you could even be tempted to join them as a volunteer boat crew member?

Related Links

I-Lifeboat

RIBEX