Lymington RNLI celebrates its 60th Anniversary

They also welcomed family members, crew from Yarmouth and Calshot along with colleagues from HM Coastguard and Lymington’s Harbour Master, who all support the station.

Lymington’s lifesaving history dates back to May 1965 when D class number 41 went on service. During this period, Lymington RNLI has operated six lifeboats, including the current Atlantic 85 B class lifeboat RNLB David Bradley, and has launched on service 1,540 times and saved 235 lives.

Peter Sparkes (CEO of RNLI) said; 'That is a remarkable number of people who have been reunited with their families thanks to the selflessness, kindness and courage of Lymington lifeboat crew. 235 people who have gone on to live their lives, have a career, a family and potentially grandchildren; lives saved to be lives lived.'

There have been many shouts of note over the past 60 years, including 17 December 1981 when two lives were saved from a sinking fishing vessel at the entrance to the harbour. Helm Alan Coster swam to the vessel in a southerly gale and courageously led two casualties over marshes for half a mile to rendezvous with the lifeboat. Alan was subsequently awarded the RNLI Bronze Medal for Gallantry.

More recently, Nick Hayward was awarded the Thanks of the Institution on Vellum for saving a crew of three from the yacht Piciess in September 2002 in a force 8/9 gale, pushing the lifeboat to the limit of her operating capabilities. Nick has selflessly served the Institution for over 40 years and continues to do so; and a special mention to some of our retired crew (Graham Webb, Mike Webb and Alan Coster) who have amassed over 90 years’ service between them.

During the evening two special awards were also presented.

The RNLI in Lymington lost one of its most ardent supporters in 2023 whose absence is deeply felt. At that time, we expressed that “we have lost a truly wonderful lady and the greatest of friends”.

To honour her memory and celebrate her unwavering dedication to the Lymington community, we are proud to announce the establishment of The Susan Ewer Community Award.

Susan was a beacon of community spirit. Her life's work was characterised by tireless efforts to support and uplift those around her. Whether it was through her enthusiastic support for junior sailing, her passion for music and history, her involvement in hospice care, or her significant contributions to Local Government, Susan's impact was profound and far-reaching. For over fifty years, she invested her time, energy, and love into her community.

The Susan Ewer Community Award recognises an outstanding RNLI volunteer in Lymington who exemplifies Susan's legacy of service. The award honours those who have shown remarkable commitment to enhancing the community, making a meaningful difference through their volunteer efforts, advocacy, or initiatives that drive positive change.

The Susan Ewer award was presented to a most deserving volunteer, Richard Clarke. He has driven a truly remarkable community event since 2017, which started in 2000. To date nearly 15,000 people have entered and enjoyed the run including over 4,000 children.

The final award was the Southward Volunteer award and presented by Sir Nigel Southward.

The award was given to Phil Baker, who joined the crew in February 1991. He qualified as a helm and is now a lifeboat training assessor. During his 34 years of service his statistics are incredible. He has launched on service 415 times and assisted more than 1000 people and saved 42 lives.

Steve Billet (Lymington Lifeboat Chairman) said; ‘Phil Baker has given Lymington lifeboat 34 years of voluntary service. He has developed his training skills to a legendary standard and likes nothing more than sharing his extensive knowledge and experience. No one deserves this award more than Phil. '

Congratulations to all our award winners and also all volunteers that have supported the station over the past 60 years.

Suzanne Brown, Lifeboat Press Officer, Lymington Lifeboat Station [email protected].uk

Hatti Mellor, Regional Media Officer, SE and London . M:07724801305

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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

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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.