While we do try our best to keep names submitted together - we can never guarantee this. To produce the decal with thousands of names, we input all names into a software to help arrange these in the shape of the letters and numbers. There are manual requirements as part of this to move the names around into suitable positions, to ensure there are no empty gaps or spacing. If we have too much spacing or gaps in the letters and numbers, there is a risk the lifeboats identification details won't appear suitably on the lifeboat. 

We hope you can understand why it’s difficult to accommodate all requests / submissions to keep names together. We appreciate your understanding if names appear separately.

The name will appear within the decal that forms the letters and numbers on the lifeboat, either on the side of the lifeboat or wheelhouse (top of the lifeboat). We are currently only accepting names for the wheelhouse.

We can accept:

• More than one name per form submission. The online form allows up to 10 individual names to be added in one submission. 
• Middle names - e.g. 'John David Smith'
• Titles - e.g. 'Captain John Smith'
• Special characters commonly used in names, such as accented letters (i.e. 'Zoë', 'José'), and apostrophes and quotation marks (I.e. 'John O’Connor', 'Jane 'Janey' Smith')

We are unable to accept:

• Joint names - e.g. 'The Smiths' or 'John and Joan Smith' or 'John & Joan Smith'. If your submission includes joint names we'll get in touch to arrange an alternative solution.
• Names that include symbols that are not typically part of names, e.g. 'Johnny!'
• Submissions that have additional information such as numbers and locations - e.g. 'John Smith Swanage 1952'
• The name of a group or company - e.g. 'Swanage RNLI Swimmers'

View the full Terms and Conditions

Although Launch a Memory was created for supporters to remember loved ones no longer with us, we now have lots of supporters who also add the names of people still with us. We have had supporters add someone's name for a birthday present, anniversary and even a wedding gift! 

You are welcome to add:

• The name of a loved one you miss and wish to remember
• The name of a special family member or friend who is still with us
• Your name
• The names of a couple for an anniversary or wedding gift. Please add as two separate names (you will receive two separate certificates).
• The name of a beloved pet.

Celebration Certificates

If you are donating in celebration of someone special rather than in remembrance, once you have submitted your name(s), you'll be given the opportunity to request a celebratory certificate via our Launch a Memory inbox. Please email [email protected] to request.

As well as your loved one's name on the lifeboat, you'll receive:

• a personalised digital certificate, one per name submitted, to print and proudly display
• regular email updates (every 6-8 weeks)
• a link to an online 'name finder'
• access to a retail range specifically for your Launch a Memory lifeboat
• a link to a special Swanage lifeboat dedications page

Once you've made your donation and submitted your chosen name(s) and the campaign closes, we'll keep you informed about the possibility of attending an event in Poole, Dorset to visit the lifeboat. But this is yet to be confirmed and subject to availability. 

We will also let you know about any opportunities to see the lifeboat In Swanage in the future too. We kindly ask that you don't contact the station directly about Launch a Memory or arrive hoping to see the lifeboat.

If you have any questions about your lifeboat, please contact [email protected].

Certainly! You can add more names as needed – even after the exclusivity period ends – subject to our terms and conditions.