Major refurbishment to begin at Weymouth RNLI Lifeboat Station

Home to generations of RNLI volunteers, Weymouth Lifeboat Station is a building steeped in maritime heritage. First opened in January 1869, at a cost of just £189, the lifeboat station has played a vital role in saving lives at sea for over 150 years. Over the decades, the site has evolved to meet the changing demands of rescue operations. Key milestones include the arrival of the first motorised lifeboat in 1924 and the installation of a floating pontoon in 2003, providing direct access to the station’s current all-weather lifeboat, Ernest & Mabel.

Now, more than a century since the last major structural works, Weymouth’s RNLI lifeboat station is set to undergo a significant and much needed upgrade.

The approved plans include a carefully designed two-storey side extension that respects the character and heritage of the existing building. The project will deliver a modern, functional, and energy efficient space for the volunteer lifeboat crew. Improvements include replacing the existing external staircase with a safer internal staircase, reconfiguring and refurbishing internal areas to include crew training and office space, provision of private changing facilities, improved accessibility, and upgrading doors, windows and the roof covering to improve the building’s efficiency. The station will also provide a location for the West Dorset lifeguard support function.

Work on this project is scheduled to begin in May 2026.

To ensure uninterrupted service during the refurbishments, the volunteer crew will temporarily relocate a short distance along the quay to the Old Harbour Dive Centre.

Andy Sargent, Weymouth RNLI Coxswain said;

‘The station has been at the heart of our lifeboat operations in Weymouth for generations and we’re incredibly proud of its history. But just as the demands on our volunteer crew has evolved, so too must the facilities we rely on. These improvements will make a real difference to our volunteer crew, giving us a safer, more practical space to operate from while respecting the heritage of this special building. Lifeboat operations are uninterrupted and will continue as normal throughout the refurbishment period.’

This investment represents a major step forward for Weymouth Lifeboat Station, ensuring it remains fit for purpose now and for the future, while preserving its historic identity.

Funding for the project will come from multiple sources including a local fundraising appeal, trusts and grants, legacies and philanthropic donations.

Weymouth’s local RNLI fundraisers will also be organising events to help raise funds for the project and welcome involvement from anyone keen to support the appeal—whether by organising their own fundraising event or taking part in a fundraising challenge.

The upgraded facilities will provide vital support to the dedicated volunteer crew who generously give their time to help keep both the local community and visitors safe.

For full planning details, visit Dorset Council’s planning portal and search reference P/FUL/2023/01400.

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI is the charity that 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 146,700 lives.

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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.