RNLI launches fundraising appeal for new lifeboat station in Port Isaac

Port Isaac RNLI volunteers currently operate from a small single storey building in the village, but the facility currently does not fit with the standards expected from a modern lifeboat station. The RNLI owns a building called Smugglers Rest, where a RNLI shop currently operates.

The project will see the RNLI reconfigure the existing lifeboat station to provide adequate space for the D class inshore lifeboat and tractor to be stored together, enabling a faster and more efficient launch, private changing facilities for crew, improved storage for operational kit and a visitor experience area.

At Smugglers Rest the temporary shop will be re-fitted as a permanent shop on the ground floor raising funds to support the station’s lifesaving work. A separate access will be installed for volunteers to access the first floor, where there will be a crew meeting and training space, an office and welfare facilities for all Port Isaac RNLI volunteers.

Port Isaac RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Operations Manager, Kevin Dingle, said: ‘Port Isaac has an iconic history of lifeboating over the last century with many of our local community connected to our lifeboat heritage. We are a small close-knit community who look out for each other, and we respond to various incidents assisting boat owners, fishing vessels and water users on this important stretch of north Cornwall coastline.

‘We have been in our current lifeboat station since 1994, but it is incredibly small for our 46 strong team of volunteers. The improved station will allow us to launch quicker as the lifeboat and tractor will remain coupled. We will also have space for our crews to change before and after a service in private, as well as much needed space for meetings, training and welfare.

‘These improvements will make a significant impact for our volunteers at Port Isaac RNLI and we hope the wider community will come together to support our fundraising efforts to future proof our presence in the village for decades to come.’

A number of fundraising events will take place this year to raise money towards the total renovation cost, which is in the region of £900,000.

Planning permission was approved in 2024. Work is expected to begin in autumn this year and will take six to eight months to complete. The works have been scheduled to take place during the quieter winter months. The D class will be stored in a facility at the top of the village for the duration of the project and will remain on operational service.

To donate to the appeal please visit https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/port-isaac-lifeboat-station-appeal

Notes to editors