Find out more about the Shannon class lifeboat, the first all-weather lifeboat to be designed and built in-house at the RNLI.
more about the shannon class
Your Launch a Memory Swanage updates
Welcome to your updates page, where you can keep track of the Swanage lifeboat.
On this page
Guidance on station visits and contact
As Swanage is a working lifeboat station, we kindly ask that you don’t contact the station directly with Launch a Memory queries or turn up hoping to see the lifeboat, as it may be out on operational duties.
If you have any queries about Launch a Memory, please read our FAQs, email [email protected] or call our Supporter Experience Team on 0300 300 9905.
Any opportunities to see the lifeboat in the future will be communicated to supporters via email, and this updates page.
Milestones for the year ahead
June 2026 – The campaign has now closed and will no longer be accepting new names. We will confirm spelling of all names by email.July 2026 – Purchase tickets to the Launch a Memory event in Poole, Dorset. Lifeboat decals created - your loved one's name is assigned its special place.
August 2026 – Decals applied - see where your loved one’s name appears via our online name-finder tool.
September 2026– A chance to see your lifeboat at an exclusive Launch a Memory event in Poole. Tickets will be £7.50 each, sold on a first-come, first-served basis. We'll email details of how to book in July.
Your special lifeboat joins multi-agency search
In November, despite strong winds and rough seas, the Swanage crew launched your Launch a Memory lifeboat to aid the search for a missing person. As frequent waves washed over the deck of your all-weather lifeboat, the crew were grateful to be wearing their foul-weather gear, funded by supporters like you.
The crew faced driving rain, struggling to see through the spray, even with their searchlights. Eventually, HM Coastguard reported that the missing person was believed to be inland, and George Thomas Lacy returned to the station, arriving back at Swanage a couple of hours after launch.
Keepsakes and gift ideas
Remember that you can buy mementos of your lifeboat 13-13 – each keepsake will provide a constant reminder that your special someone is right there beside the Swanage crew each time they launch. The range is available online now from RNLI Shop. Every £1 you spend helps to save lives at sea.
When buying from RNLI Shop, don't forget to tick the box marked ‘YES - email me with news and offers’ at the check-out to ensure you keep hearing from us.
Celebration certificates
If you have gifted Launch a Memory for a loved one to celebrate their birthday, anniversary or other special occasion, please email [email protected] once you have made your submission to receive your celebration certificate.
By default, certificates are processed for in memory so you will receive one of these automatically - but celebration certificates for those still with us are available upon request following the steps above.
Previous updates
READ HOW SWANAGE RNLI STARTED
Swanage marks 150 years of lifesaving
Your Swanage crew were proud to join in with the activities that marked the station’s recent anniversary. The lifesavers celebrated with an Open Day at the station, which is still on the original 1875 site - the station was rebuilt in 2015/2016 to house your Launch a Memory lifeboat. The crew received a certificate commemorating 150 years of saving lives at sea.
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Read the full story
Carrying the torch
In September, your crew rescued a person who had been blown out to sea in a dinghy. When the crew arrived, the dinghy was 2 nautical miles out and had capsized multiple times. The Swanage volunteers brought the casualty aboard your special lifeboat and moved them to the wheelhouse to warm up. The person was later handed into the care of HM Coastguard.
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Read Alice's Story
Like father, like daughter
Swanage RNLI celebrates Alice Haw’s proud achievement as she ‘passes out’ as Helm on the Inshore lifeboat, Roy Norgrove. Inspired by her father, retired coxswain Chris Haw, Alice joined eight years ago and now also navigates the Shannon lifeboat RNLI 13-13 — the very lifeboat carrying names from the Launch a Memory campaign.
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Read Felix's Story
Memories that live on
At Swanage RNLI, lifesaving runs in the family. Steve and Felix Williams are a father-son duo who serve side by side on the crew. Steve has volunteered for 26 years, acting as both Navigator on the all-weather lifeboat George Thomas Lacy and the station’s Training Coordinator. Felix, inspired by years of watching his dad respond to the pager, joined the crew six years ago and is now a fully qualified crew member.
Felix says seeing his dad’s dedication over the years makes him proud to follow in his footsteps. Both serve aboard the Launch a Memory lifeboat, carrying the names of loved ones who inspire every rescue. Their story is just one example of the strong family bonds that power the RNLI, where generations come together to save lives at sea.
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Read the story
You’re part of our 150-year story at Swanage
‘Becoming a Launch a Memory lifeboat station in 2025 - our 150th anniversary year - is just phenomenal. And having your loved one’s name on our Shannon class lifeboat really is the icing on the cake. Thank you for remembering or celebrating a loved one with us and welcome to the Swanage RNLI family’
Dave Turnbull, Volunteer Coxswain, Swanage Lifeboat Station
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Get the most from Launch a Memory
Many people have shared heart-warming stories about why they chose to include the name of someone you miss on the lifeboat - as well as celebrating their or their loved one's connection to the RNLI.
add a dedication
Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about Launch a Memory, and how to contact us if you still need help.
Browse our FAQs
With an RNLI Forever by the Sea tribute fund, you can share treasured memories and help to raise money for the RNLI.
create a tribute fund