Clacton-on-Sea RNLI volunteers need your help

For almost 150 years, brave RNLI volunteers have been saving those in peril around Clacton-on-Sea. But new recruits need training, existing crew need to hone their skills, and the sea takes its toll on even the best gear. You can ensure your local lifesavers are as prepared as possible to save every one they can.

The RNLI is a charity, and like all our crews, the Clacton-on-Sea volunteers rely on the support of people like you to save lives. By helping to equip them with first-rate kit and world-class training, you'll not only be a lifesaver for our Clacton volunteers, but for the people who rely on their crucial search and rescue service.

'All of us here at the station - both seagoing crew and shore crew - are so grateful to be getting a new all-weather lifeboat. The Shannon class lifeboat really is a game-changer, as it’ll mean our volunteers can respond to emergencies over a much wider area - up to 250 nautical miles offshore.

'Being able to call upon the Shannon as well as our trusty inshore lifeboat - the D class - will mean our volunteers will be able to launch to every type of incident. In turn, they'll need the know-how to deal with every type of situation.

'For both old hands and new recruits, there are always new things to learn - be it boat handling, navigation or casualty care. Every penny you can give to our appeal will arm Clacton's volunteers with the skills and knowledge to save more lives. The funds raised will also help us to repair and replenish things like wellies, dry-suits and lifejackets, as they take quite a beating.

'Every time our crew members pull on their lifesaving kit, they're conscious that they only have it thanks to our supporters. Thank you. Because this makes you a lifesaver too.'

Lisa Parker
Lifeboat Operations Manager
Clacton-on-Sea Lifeboat Station

Clacton-on-Sea's inshore lifeboat - the D class - is the workhorse of the RNLI fleet. It's in its element in the surf, helping your local RNLI crew to rescue those in trouble close to shore, such as paddleboarders, open-water swimmers and jet skiers. But Clacton's new all-weather lifeboat - the Shannon class - will transform the station's search and rescue potential, vastly increasing the volunteers' lifesaving reach.

The two lifeboats place different demands on their crews, who sacrifice their time to ensure they're ready to respond when their pagers sound. Those pagers don't stop when the summer season ends, and Clacton-on-Sea volunteers drop everything whenever they're needed.

By giving to this appeal, you'll be doing more than helping the Clacton-on-Sea crew to save those in peril at sea. You'll be helping your local volunteers to get home safely themselves.