The RNLI launches an appeal for Chiswick Lifeboat to move to better facilities
The RNLI acquired the former marketing building in Wandsworth Riverside Quarter late last year. Following the grant of planning permission for change of use to a lifeboat station, plans are proceeding to fit out the building for its new use.
Internal changes are needed to provide facilities for 24/7 use by lifeboat crews. There will also be space for training and visitors. Work is also needed to upgrade part of pier where the lifeboat will be moored.
A generous bequest has funded the majority of the cost, funds are still needed for the final £300,000. Follow the link to help sustain the RNLI’s lifesaving service on the tidal Thames
https://rnli.org/support-us/give-money/give-to-a-special-appeal/wandsworth-riverside-appeal
Wayne Bellamy, manager of Chiswick Lifeboat Station said 'The river is the lifeblood of our city but, as someone who helped set up the lifeboat service on the Thames, I know it can be deadly. More than 20 people still drown in the river every year, and every second counts when it comes to saving lives.
We may not have to deal with big waves or hideous storms like our coastal counterparts, but we have to battle huge tides, fast-moving water, bridges, piers and constant river traffic. That’s why we’re one of UK’s busiest lifeboat stations and need to be on duty 24/7. The move to a better location will significantly reduce our response time, give our crew a permanent home, and lay the foundations for the future of our lifesaving service.’
The RNLI lifeboats on the tidal Thames at Chiswick, Waterloo Bridge and Gravesend have a duty crew of four ready to launch in 90 seconds. By the end of October Chiswick lifeboat crews had attended 326 incidents since the start of the year; the majority of these nearer to the new location. The new station is expected to become operational later in 2025.
Chiswick RNLI lifeboat station is the second busiest in the UK and Ireland. Since The RNLI search and rescue service on the Thames started in 2002, Chiswick Lifeboat has attended over 4,600 incidents and saved 193 lives. The RNLI is entirely funded by public donations.
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.