Blackpool RNLI Lifeboat Station flag flies half-mast in memory of Phil Denham
It is with deep regret that Blackpool RNLI announces the death of one of its most dedicated volunteers, Phil Denham, who died on Tuesday 1 July 2025.
Phil retired from Blackpool RNLI in June 2024, upon reaching the RNLI retirement age, after an extraordinary 55 years of service in operational and safety roles. His commitment to saving lives at sea and promoting safety along the coast leaves a legacy few can match.
Phil joined the RNLI in 1969 as a crew member on the Blackpool lifeboats and later qualified as an inshore lifeboat helm, taking part in numerous rescues over the years. Even after stepping back from seagoing duties, he continued to serve in a range of vital roles including Launch Authority, Launch and Recovery Driver, Lifeboat Training Coordinator, and Sea Safety Volunteer.
His passion for safety and education extended beyond the station. Phil worked on the RNLI’s Train One Save Many Roadshow Team and was active in fundraising campaigns, before joining the RNLI Coastal Safety Team as an event supervisor.
In 1988, Phil’s bravery earned him the RNLI Bronze Medal for Gallantry, one of only six awarded to Blackpool RNLI volunteers in the station’s 160-year history. On 6 January 1988, during gale-force winds and horrendous sea conditions, Phil was helm of one of two Blackpool inshore lifeboats responding to two angling vessels in distress. Both boats had capsized.
The crews rescued two individuals from the water and brought them to safety. While tragically two lives were lost, one of those rescued made a full recovery. For their courage, Phil and fellow helm Keith Horrocks were awarded Bronze Medals, and all crew members received the Thanks of the Institution on Vellum.
Phil also served for 30 years with Blackpool Beach Patrol, further demonstrating his deep commitment to beach and sea safety in the local community.
In recognition of his lifelong service, Phil was selected to attend the RNLI’s 200-year anniversary service at Westminster Abbey in March 2024, a proud moment that reflected the high regard in which he was held.
David Warburton, Lifeboat Operations Manager at Blackpool RNLI, said:
‘Phil dedicated more than five decades of his life to protecting Blackpool’s beach and sea through his service with the RNLI and Beach Patrol. He was an integral part of the station, with many rescues and lives saved to his name. Even after retiring, he remained a regular presence at our events. His passing has come as a shock to us all, he will be deeply missed.’
Our thoughts are with Phil’s wife Trudi, daughters Jenny and Clare, son Joe, and all his family and friends at this difficult time.
Funeral arrangements will be announced once confirmed.
Photos attached
- Phil Denham RNLI photo at the request of the family
Notes to editors
- Any contact should be directed through the meia contacts and no direct to the family.
RNLI media contacts
For more information please telephone Steve Fitzgerald, RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 07308 255949 or [email protected] or Eleri Roberts, Regional Media Officer at [email protected] or contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.
Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,700 lives.
Learn more about the RNLI
For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.
Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries
Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.