Swanage Lifeboat Week raises over £24,000
Swanage RNLI’s main fundraising event of year was a week full of activities to help raise awareness of the RNLI and raise vital funds for the lifesaving work of the organisation.
The first weekend saw some big hitters in the golf competition, nearly 2000 ducks launched for the duck race and more than 500 visitors passing through the lifeboat station for our open day.
The weather held fine for our outdoor events, with crowds to watch the outdoor theatre, water polo and open air cinema. The Swanage Royal British Legion generously hosted the lifeboat darts and quiz which were both well attended, and Swanage Sailing Club and Swanage Sea Rowing Club held races in aid of the RNLI.
The lifeboat loop running race became part of the Purbeck Trail Running series and attracted nearly 200 runners for the challenging route to the lighthouse and back.
The flag collection day received generous donations and we also welcomed back the famous raft race with crowds flocking along the shore to watch the competitors rescue their damsel.
The weekend culminated with the lifeboat festival that included the build-a-boat competition that saw 12 boats built in four hours and those that passed sea trials racing a course to determine the winner. The lifeboat service on the Pier closed the week.
Swanage Lifeboat Coxswain Dave Turnbull said ‘the week was a huge success with great attendance for all our events. We are very grateful that so many people gave generously to help us to raise such a significant amount towards our lifesaving work.
The week would not be possible without our team of volunteers who work throughout the year and during the week itself to organise, set up and host the events. My thanks go to all our volunteers and to our sponsors who enable the week to go ahead. It was also a relief to have some fair weather this year so that people could enjoy our outdoor events.’
Dates for your diary - Swanage Lifeboat Week 2025 Saturday 9th August to Sunday 17th August.
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.