Bude Blessing the Sea Service

Sunday 9 August 2026

The Bude Blessing of the Sea is a traditional annual service which takes place at the Bude Harbour Lock Gates.

St Michaels Church Clergy blessing the RNLI Lifeboat

On Sunday, August 9th, 2026, Bude celebrated our cherished tradition: the annual Bude Blessing of the Sea Service.

This heartfelt event honours the sea and pays tribute to the dedicated individuals and organizations who work tirelessly to keep our coastline safe. The service began with a procession from St. Michael's Church to the Bude Harbour Lock Gates, culminating in a ceremony that united the RNLI Lifeboat Crew, HM Coastguard, clergy, choir and our wider community.

This year, Bude Metric Brass provided the musical accompaniment, adding a vibrant touch to the occasion. For the RNLI Lifeboats, it’s a particularly meaningful event. Our volunteer crews remain on call around the clock, ever ready to launch in response to those in need at sea. The service offered a special opportunity to acknowledge not only our courageous crews, but also the Coastguard, lifeguards, fundraisers, and everyone who contributes to the safety of our coastline.

It is a meaningful moment to reflect, give thanks, and celebrate the deep connection between our community and the sea. During the service, the RNLI Lifeboat, its crew, and the Coastguard were blessed, symbolising our gratitude and safeguarding. Following the blessings, the Lifeboat set out to sea, ready to serve and protect.

Bude resident Rachel Walden said: "The sea is my happy place - walking beside it, swimming, bodyboarding, surfing. Knowing that the elements are more powerful than us is so important.

"The Blessing of the Sea is always an emotional and grounding event and I'm always grateful for those that protect us - RNLI Lifeboats, coastguards and Surf Life Saving Club."

RNLI Lifeboat Crew + HM Coastguard — RNLI Bude Lifeboat Crew

Rachel Walden - on the left, community member that supplied a statement.

RNLI Media Contacts

For further information, please contact:

Stacey Crane, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for RNLI South West, [email protected]

Kyle Reed, Regional Communications Manager, South West. 07786 668 847

Amy Caldwell, RNLI Regional Communications Lead for South West England, 07920 818807, [email protected]

RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789, [email protected]

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.

The weather's hot, but the water's cold

Bude Blessing the Sea Service

RNLI Media Contacts

Key facts about the RNLI

Learn more about the RNLI

Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

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