A Shannon class lifeboat from the water in front of a dark sky

Launch a Memory

The next campaign will be launching soon ...

Honour someone you love by adding their name to a lifeboat.

  1. We have now reached the maximum number of names for our most recent Launch a Memory lifeboat, Exmouth 13-03. Please keep an eye on this page for news of the next Launch a Memory lifeboat coming in Summer 2025.

What is Launch a Memory?

Through Launch a Memory, you can remember a loved one you miss - or celebrate someone still with us - by adding their name/s to the letters and numbers on a Shannon class all-weather lifeboat.

Our next Launch a Memory lifeboat

We are busy preparing our next Launch a Memory campaign, and are not currently accepting any online name submissions for any lifeboats.

Our next Launch a Memory lifeboat will be the eighth to join our unique fleet of special lifeboats.

Find out more about each of our existing Launch a Memory lifeboats by checking out their bespoke updates page.

How Launch a Memory works

  1. 1

    Add your loved one's name

    Once we have our new Launch a Memory lifeboat available, make a suggested donation of £75 per name to honour the life of a loved one by adding their name to the lifeboat.
  2. 2

    Keep an eye on your inbox

    We'll then email your confirmation once you've submitted your name(s), and then send regular updates about the lifeboat.
  3. 3

    Print your certificate

    Within 1-3 days of signing up, we’ll email you a printable certificate in honour of your loved one(s). You’ll receive separate certificates for each name you’ve added. A celebration certificate to commemorate a birthday, anniversary, or another special occasion will also be available. 
  4. 4

    Leave a dedication

    Share your stories, pictures and thoughts on our special lifeboat dedications page, using the link in your confirmation email.

Updates on our existing Launch a Memory lifeboats

Check out the latest news from our Launch a Memory fleet, adorned with the names of 1000's of incredible supporters, as they aid our lifesaving mission...

Exmouth's Shannon Class lifeboat on the sand with crew members

Exmouth updates

Read the latest updates on Exmouth's Launch a Memory lifeboat.
Eric's Legend lifeboat on a calm sea with clear blue sky.

Eric's Legend updates

Read the latest updates on the Launch a Memory relief lifeboat, Eric's Legend. 
The Whitby lifeboat creating spray as it powers through the water.

Whitby Updates

Read the latest updates on the Whitby Launch a Memory lifeboat.
Arrival of Invergordon Shannon class lifeboat Agnes A P Barr 13-37 at station. The lifeboat has the names of donors from the Launch a Memory campaign printed on it's decal

Invergordon updates

Read the latest updates on the Invergordon Launch a Memory lifeboat.
His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Ross and Cromarty, Mrs Joanie Whiteford, pictured reading His Majesty’s warmest thanks to staff and volunteers of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI).

Clifden Updates

Read the latest updates on the Clifden Launch a Memory lifeboat.
The Anstruther lifeboat creating a wake as it powers along with decorative bunting across the wheelhouse and deck.

Anstruther Updates

Read the latest updates on the Anstruther Launch a Memory lifeboat.
The Wells lifeboat on a calm sea in the sunshine.

Wells updates

Read the latest updates on the Wells Launch a Memory lifeboat.

What to expect from Launch a Memory

Adding your loved one's name to a lifeboat is a gift that keeps on giving. As well as a name on a lifeboat, you will also:

  1. Receive a personalised certificate to print and display
    Celebration certificates to commemorate a birthday, anniversary or other special occasion will also be available. Email [email protected] after making your donation to request yours.

  2. Receive update emails
    We'll send updates on the activity of the lifeboat you've added names to direct to your inbox several times a year. 

  3. Find your loved one's name on the lifeboat
    Once your loved one's name has been added, find out exactly where your loved one's name sits on the lifeboat with our online name searcher. We'll let you know when this becomes available. 

  4. Get access to special mementos
    Bespoke mementos such as mugs, keyrings and pin badges you can treasure forever (available while stocks last).

Framed Launch a Memory certificate on a shelf.

Frequently asked questions

Here are some answers to the top questions about Launch a Memory. See our full FAQs.

The next Launch a Memory lifeboat will be announced in Summer 2025.

You can include up to 10 names in a single form submission, and feel free to submit the form as many times as you'd like.

To make the process even smoother, we currently cannot accept joint names like 'The Smiths' or 'John and Joan Smith'. Please add each name separately.

All submitted names (that are within our guidelines) will appear within the letters or numbers of the lifeboat's decal, and your loved one's name will appear alongside thousands of other precious names. Every time the lifeboat crew launch to the rescue, your loved one will be there with them.

The name will appear within the decal that forms the letters and numbers on the lifeboat.

Explore other ways to remember a loved one

We also have a number of additional ways you can celebrate your loved one, through one-off donations, funeral collections and Forever By The Sea tribute funds.
Other ways to donate in memory

Bereavement support

If you are struggling and need support, please contact your GP or reach out to a support organisation such as:

Samaritans Ireland or Samaritans UK - call 116 123, 24 hours a day

Cruse Bereavement Support - call 0808 808 1677

Mind - call 0300 123 3393 (10am-6pm, Monday-Friday)

Shout

  • In the UK, text SHOUT to 85258 (24 hours)
  • In Ireland, text HELLO to 50808 (24 hours)

If you or someone else is in danger, call 999 or go to A&E now. If you’re in the UK and you need help urgently with your mental health, but it’s not an emergency, visit NHS 111 online or call 111.