Happisburgh Lifeboat volunteers called in to action

On Friday 7 August 2026 at 1pm the pagers were set off by HM Coastguard to reports of 2 children being dragged out to sea between Reefs 2 and 3 at Sea Palling. Russell Pickering, the Stations D-Class Lifeboat was launched into heavy waves on the beach 10 mins after the pagers were set off.

They made best speed towards the reefs at Sea Palling with Pete Walker on helm, Chris Risby, Ellis Speirs and Jon Church as crew. Before arriving at Reef 3 the crew were informed by HM Coastguard that the children were now ashore and being cared for so they stood the crew down. By 1.50pm Russell Pickering was rehoused and ready for service again.

Pete Walker said ‘The launch was tricky but the crew used their training to conduct a successful launch. If you ever see anyone who looks to be in trouble in the water call 999 immediately and ask for the Coastguard so we can respond as quickly as possible. If we are stood down then that isn’t a problem as long as the person is safe’.

The Water Safety Team’s advice is:

· Swim on a Lifeguarded beach between the red and yellow flags

· If you get into trouble in the water, float on your back, tilt your head back submerging your ears. Try to relax and control your breathing. Move your hands and legs to help you stay afloat. Your legs may sink, but that okay - everyone floats differently.

You can find out more here: Float To Live – What To Do If You Fall In Water

· If you are caught in a Rip Current and feel able, swim parallel to the beach until you are free of the current then return to the beach. If you do not feel able to swim then float on your back with your ears in the water and shout for help

Happisburgh Lifeboat Volunteers held their Open Day on Sunday 2 August

Roughly 500 people attended and the day raised £2,000 to help us with our work of Saving Lives at Sea.

We started the day with a display by 6 different lifeboats from Cromer with their Tamar and Y-Class boat, Happisburgh’s D-Class boat, 2 boats from Hemsby Independent Lifeboat Service and Sea Palling’s Independent Lifeboat. It made for a very entertaining display close to the beach as it was high water.

There was a BBQ, Music, Teas and Coffee, Cakes and Bites, Games plus the Visitor Centre was open. The Shop was Open. Also there was Water Safety Advice and Throwline Training available.

Everyone seemed to have had a great day, the crew would like to say a big Thank You to all who attended, this includes locals, friends, family and holiday makers.

RNLI Media Contacts

For further information, please contact:

Philip Smith, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for RNLI North and East, [email protected]

Clare Hopps, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for North East and East England, 07824 518641, [email protected]

Richard Grange, RNLI Regional Communications Lead for North East and East England, 07483 112015, [email protected]

RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789, [email protected]

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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For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, TikTok 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.