THE Bridport Branch of the RNLI has a committee of 13 people who organise fundraising events all the year round, and this year they have held Flag days, Seatown Barb-cue, West Bay Fun Day, the Raft Race, and the Carol singing evening at the George Hotel in West Bay. 

We are always pleased to welcome new committee members.

Although Bridport does not have a Lifeboat Station we do have a Lifeguard Service operating in West Bay. 

This operates in conjunction with the Lyme Regis Lifeboat, and the Weymouth Lifeboat when needed.

In 2016 lifeguards carried out just over 209,000 preventative actions. 

They rescued 56 people from the water, provided first aid to seven people and dealt with five lost children. 

‘Many people are unaware that lifeguards perform lifesaving work not only in the water but also on the beach in our role as first responders for all medical emergencies, both major and minor. 

All RNLI lifeguards are highly trained in casualty care, which is a form of advanced first aid.

Our events have raised over £14,000 this year this and is sent to the RNLI headquarters in Poole to ensure that the whole of the British coastline is covered by a sea rescue service and a lifeguarding service which is second to none in the world.

May I, through your pages, thank all those who have helped us this year to raise these funds, by organising events, contributing to our collection boxes and offering support in other ways.

We look forward to another successful year in 2018 and wish our supporters a happy Christmas and a safe and happy 2018.

Sadie Miles,
Chairman, 
Bridport RNLI