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Clovelly RNLI Prepares for Lifeboat Celebration

Lifeboats News Release

Volunteers at Clovelly’s RNLI lifeboat station are preparing for their annual Lifeboat Day, due to take place on August 4 2024.

RNLI/Suzi Marsh

The Toby Rundle at Clovelly Boathouse

This event is a celebration of the RNLI’s significant role in the history and heritage of Clovelly, where a lifeboat station has been housed for more than 150 years.


Today, Clovelly station is home to the Toby Rundle, an Atlantic 85 B-class lifeboat that is celebrating 10 years of service this year. And that’s not the only anniversary that will be making this year’s Lifeboat Day an even more notable occasion. 2024 also marks 200 years since the RNLI was established by Sir William Hillary, launching the charity that saves lives at sea. So far, the crew at Clovelly have taken part in several events to mark the auspicious occasion and are looking forward to continuing the festivities.


This year’s lifeboat day will kick off at 10.30am, with a variety of activities planned throughout the day. There will be a multi-vessel display at approximately 12.30pm (subject to change), as well as live music from The Cabin Girls,The Applecorers, and Spoots. Additionally, there will be as a BBQ, games and competitions, and a charity auction – all in aid of Clovelly RNLI. There will even be an appearance from one of the station’s old lifeboats - the Charles H. Barrett - in remote-controlled form!


The lifeboat station will be open all day for visits and tours, with serving crew members on hand to regale you with stories of their time at sea and a variety of tasty cakes on offer. Plus, the new pop-up shop will be open for business. The Red Lion and the New Inn will also be open as usual, serving a range of food and drink. Landrovers will be running from the harbour to the top of the village for those unable to manage the steep hill.


RNLI/Suzi Marsh

Clovelly RNLI crew

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.