Southwold RNLI Lifeboat Day

Prior to the display, Aldeburghs Atlantic 85 Ralph, arrived at Southwold Harbour, and all volunteers and boat teams gathered for a safety briefing.

Just before 11:00 the support boats departed the harbour, heading to their designated positions and within a few minutes began depositing staged ‘casualties’ into the water for the lifeboat crews and lifeguards to assist.

A rescue mannequin fell from the pier and was rescued by beach lifeguards, meanwhile another rescue mannequin fell overboard from Elise, further casualties included a canoe, two lifeguards on a paddle board and finally a vessel with a simulated engine failure.

Throughout the display the spectators were kept informed by an excellent commentary from a PA system situated outside the Southwold Sailors Reading Room on East Cliff.

By 11:40, the final rescue was completed, and all boats assembled on the beach where crews, volunteers RNLI mascot Stormy Stan and spectators gathered for photographs, marking the end of a successful and well‑executed demonstration.

The crews returned to the Lifeboat Station with a visit to Walberswick beach enroute, where they refuelled with a BBQ thanks to Henstead Marsh Beef and Penny Bun Bakehouse, and welcomed members of the public for viewings of the lifeboats and the station facilities and a popup shop with volunteers from the Queen Street Lifeboat shop.

Southwold Lifeboat Operations Manager, Simon Hazelgrove said 'The crew, lifeguards, fundraisers and the master of ceremonies did a tremendous job this year. All working together to make it a community event that we can all be very proud of. Thank you one and all.'

Lucia Poels of the Southwold & Dunwich Fundraisers said 'It was wonderful to see everyone come together for Lifeboat Day again this year. The crew, lifeguards, fundraisers, volunteers and our brilliant master of ceremonies all played such an important part in making it a real community event. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who gave their time, and donated so generously. Every penny raised helps support the vital work of our Lifeboats, and it’s something I think we can all be very proud of.'

Southwold’s Lifeboat Day once again showcased the dedication of its volunteers and the community spirit that keeps the town’s maritime heritage thriving.