A glimpse of the future for Margate lifeboat station

The RNLI is committed to replacing the existing end-of-life Mersey class lifeboat at Margate with a new and faster state-of-the-art art Shannon class boat which will improve the service provided to Thanet's water users and passing seafaring community. To accommodate the new lifeboat, the RNLI is also working to relocate the lifeboat station following the earlier withdrawal of plans for a new boathouse on the main Marine Sands.

A Shannon class lifeboat from the RNLI's relief fleet was in the area together with its launching rig and the opportunity was taken to stop off at Margate for one day to carry out launch and recovery trials and allow the station's volunteer crew to experience for the first time the new system. It also provided them with the opportunity to go afloat in their local area and experience the new waterjet-powered lifeboat which is fifty percent faster than the station's current all-weather lifeboat.

Paul Hodson, RNLI Margate lifeboat operations manager said: 'We are all very excited about what the future holds for the station which has served the local community now for 157 years. The new boat and launching system is completely different to our existing arrangement, so letting the crew see it in operation under RNLI supervision was a valuable opportunity to prepare for the future. Just as importantly we are keen to give our supporters and public in general a glimpse into how we are working as hard as we can to provide the best possible service to keep Thanet's waters safe for locals and visitors alike.'

ENDS

RNLI Media contacts

• Peter Barker, RNLI Margate Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer 07974 064304 [email protected]

• Tim Ash, RNLI Public Relations Manager (London/East/South East) 0207 6207426, 07785 296252 [email protected]

• For enquiries outside normal business hours, contact the RNLI duty press officer on 01202 336789

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI charity 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 142,700 lives.

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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.