Launch a Memory

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 - for example 'John David Smith'.
• Titles - for example 'Captain John Smith'.

We are unable to accept:

• Joint names - for example 'The Smiths', '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 special characters - for example 'John Smith!'
• Submissions that have additional information such as numbers and locations - for example 'John Smith Swanage 1952'.
• The name of a group or company - for example 'Swanage RNLI Swimmers'.

View the full terms and conditions.

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.

Although Launch a Memory is aimed at those with a loved one who is no longer with us, we have lots of supporters who add the name of someone who is still with us. We have had supporters add someone's name for a birthday present, an anniversary and even a wedding gift!  

You are welcome to add:

• Your name.
• The name of a living family member or friend whom you hold dearly.
• 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 to celebrate a living loved one, once you have submitted your name(s), you'll be given the opportunity to request a celebratory certificate through our Launch a Memory inbox. Please email [email protected] with your request.

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 have a suggested donation to add a name of £75/€75. This has been based on careful consideration of the resources and costs required, including looking at the average donation amount received during previous campaigns, and surveying previous Launch a Memory donors.

The costs of running our lifesaving service are rising. Essentials like fuel, energy and kit are becoming significantly more expensive – meaning every pound or euro donated now buys less than it did before. This increase will help to cover the growing costs of funding our lifesaving service.

We understand that everyone is experiencing increases in the cost of living and we are immensely grateful to our supporters, who already do so much for the RNLI and who have continued to support the RNLI through challenging times. Without their support, our lifesavers could not rescue the thousands of people who need our help each year. It's important to note that the suggested donation amount is not mandatory or binding. You have the freedom to contribute any amount you feel comfortable with and can afford.