Invergordon RNLI lifeboat station paves the way for Easter visits with bookable tours available in 'big step forward' for Easter Ross lifeline voluntary service
AN EASTER Ross lifeboat station is gearing up to offer the first bookable tours since the Covid pandemic forced sweeping changes for safety reasons.
Invergordon RNLI says it has been busy working to recruit and train a volunteer visits team to be able to welcome visitors to the lifeboat and station.
It said: "With the Easter holidays coming up, and good volunteer availability, we are very happy to say that we are now able to offer our first bookable tours between April 11-17.
"Due to current Covid levels and protecting the RNLI’s lifesaving service, it won’t be possible to access areas inside the station or on board the lifeboat at this time, but as long as you can safely access the pontoon, you will be able to get close alongside.
"If the lifeboat is called out, or the station facilities are required for an emergency, we reserve the right to cancel a visit if necessary for the safety of visitors and station volunteers.
"The lifeboat is berthed afloat on a pontoon in the west harbour and it does move around in the current and as vessels pass. Therefore, all visitors need to wear flat soled footwear and outdoor clothes suitable for the weather conditions, and anyone susceptible to seasickness should take appropriate precautions before visiting.
"Depending on the conditions and because it is a working pontoon, access can be challenging, so if you or a member of your party have mobility difficulties it might not be possible to safely access the pontoon."
During the tour children must be supervised at all times by an accompanying adult.
It said: "This first batch of available dates are a big step forwards for us towards more regular opportunities to visit.
"We know that some people who have been waiting very patiently might miss out on these first visits, but rest assured we are continuing to work to grow our volunteer visits team to be able to meet the demand to visit the lifeboat and station.
"If you have any questions, we kindly ask that you don’t phone the station but instead please email Invergordonvisits@rnli.org.uk with any visit related queries."
To book a tour between April 11-17, please see here.
For more information on access, please email invergordonvisits@rnli.org.uk.
