Cats don’t usually like water.  The closest I’ll come to it, apart from drinking it, is when I perform one of my mad dashes through the shower when John’s about to go in there.  I consider it an integral part of my exercise regime and it gives me a buzz to see if I can run across the shower tray before the water hits it.  Don’t know why, just does!

Anyway, there’s a big puddle of water at the beach that you’ll never catch me in.  Its very popular with humans who enjoy swimming in this salty wet stuff during the warm weather.

But when you come a cropper at sea, who will come to your rescue?  Its the Royal National Lifeboat Institution.  And last weekend the Selsey RNLI put on their lifeboat launch day with lots of exciting activities including a lifeboat launch and rescue display, a raft race,

http://www.selseylifeboats.co.uk/

and an incredible parachute display by the talented ‘Tigers’ (from The Princess of Wales Royal Regiment’s parachute display team).  As part of the army, they are used to carrying out their duties on land, but did a grand job of getting their feet wet today.

My most memorable moment is the HM Coastguard Helicopter which flew in to help with the rescue display.  Its got an on-board automatic vessel identification system and loads of other 21st century techy stuff that makes it ideal for helping people in distress at sea.

The brave crews and dedicated staff at the RNLI consist mostly of volunteers and the organisation is entirely supported by voluntary contributions.  Their rescue equipment and kit is very expensive and last year they launched their lifeboat 27 times to help swimmers, kayakers, anglers and sailors out of trouble.

I captured some of the action on camera as you can see.  The boats kicked up quite a spray on the calm waters and I got a sore throat from meowing in support of the raft racers.  In case you’re wondering, I make it across the shower without getting wet almost every time!

http://www.selseylifeboats.co.uk/