
Lymington Lifeboat celebrates 200 years of the RNLI
RNLI crew in Lymington and around the UK commemorate, celebrate and inspire in 2024.
Since its formation in 1824, the RNLI has saved more than 144,000 lives thanks to a long line of caring supporters and dedicated volunteers. In 2024, on its bicentenary, the charity remembers its incredible lifesaving history and celebrates the remarkable and unique organisation it is today – an emergency service funded by charitable donations.
Established in 1965, Lymington Lifeboat has been saving lives at sea for 59 years. It has steadily grown from an un-named ‘D’ Class lifeboat in a single garage to the ‘David Bradley’ Atlantic 85 ‘B’ Class lifeboat housed in a modern complex, opened in 2006.
Nick Hayward, part of the crew since 1980 and who’s father-in-law was a founding member of the station recalls ‘The boat house was very small, and the shared kit was always wet. Looking back over the years, the boathouse, boat and gear have changed dramatically. We have the best boats, equipment and training available. I like that the RNLI brings together volunteers from varied backgrounds and makes them one crew, with one goal; to help people and save lives.’
Last year Lymington lifeboat launched 33 times, assisted 55 people and spent over 200 hours afloat. 23 boat-crew, 7 shore-crew and 5 launch authorities are in constant readiness to leave their loved ones at a moment’s notice, day or night, 24/7 to rescue anyone in danger, because one drowning is one too many.
There are lots of ways to get involved and celebrate the anniversary. Details of national events can be found on the main RNLI website. The online shop and Lymington shop, adjoined to the station, have a range of wonderful souvenirs to celebrate 200 years. The Royal Mint have also produced a 50 pence coin.
The 23rd annual Lymington RNLI 10k run and children's fun run will take place on the 12 May along the beautiful coastline. The event raises vital funds for the station and will primarily help raise funds for crew lifesaving kit and crew training.
In July, the station will hold an open day, welcoming the public into the boathouse to meet the crew, view the lifeboat and enjoy fun activities, tasty treats and live demonstrations.
We are looking forward to welcoming visitors and meeting the lifesavers and supporters of the future, who will help the charity move forwards and achieve its vision to save every one.
We welcome the businesses and residents of Lymington and surrounding areas to come and support us in our celebration.
RNLI Contact details:
Jo Styles, Deputy Lifeboat Press Officer, Lymington Lifeboat Station (07725) 640871 [email protected]
Hatti Mellor, Regional Communications Manager - SE & London (07724) 801305 [email protected]
For enquiries outside normal business hours contact the RNLI duty press officer on (01202) 336789
RNLI online: For more information on the RNLI please visit http://www.rnli.org/. News releases and other media resources, including RSS feeds, downloadable photos and video, are available at the RNLI News Centre.
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 146,000 lives.
Learn more about the RNLI
For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter 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.