Find the nearest Lifeboats
As anyone who visits the coast a lot understands the RNLI provides a much-needed service that nobody ever wants to make a call on. Our Lifeboat category brings all Coast Radar’s listings related to Lifeboats and their stations together, with many opening to the public or offering fundraising shops.
Finding the best things to see and do on a day out with your family or friends is easy – simply explore the Lifeboat links below, hit the jump to my location button or use the search bar to plan your next UK and Ireland activity.
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- Lytham St Annes lifeboat station was established in 1851 and today, the station operates two lifeboats, one at Lytham and one at St Annes. 1886 saw the worst lifeboat disaster. Quote from RNLI site: “1886 9 December saw the worst disaster in lifeboat history. Lytham, St Annes and Southport lifeboats were launched to the German barque Mexico in distress off Southport. The Lytham lifeboat, with great difficulty, rescued her crew of 12. Meanwhile, the Southport lifeboat was capsized by a heavy sea; 14 of her crew had drowned and there were only two survivors. The St Annes lifeboat was washed ashore the next day and her entire crew of 13 had drowned.”
- Walmer lifeboat station was established by the RNLI in 1856 and operates two inshore boats. Walmer lifeboat was one of 19 lifeboats that took part in the evacuation of the British Expeditionary Force from Dunkirk. Station open at the weekends and shop open wed-fri and weekends Easter to Christmas.
- Lough Swilly lifeboat station was established in 1988 and operates three lifeboats, 2 inshore and one all weather. Station open by appointment only.
- Craster lifeboat station established in 1976 and operates an inshore lifeboat.
- Broughty Ferry lifeboat station was established around 1828.
- Hunstanton lifeboat station was established in 1824. This station is unusual in that it operates an inshore lifeboat and also an inshore rescue hovercraft. Open Sunday mornings or by appointment.
- Inshore Lifeboat Centre (ILC) is state-of-the-art RNLI boatyard occupying two acres on the East Cowes bank of the River Medina. The ILC is an internationally renowned centre of excellence for its work involving inflatable and rigid inflatable lifeboats (RIBs). The RNLI constructs up to 60% of the lifeboats it needs in its own purpose-built manufacturing facility in Cowes. Visitors are welcome to see the work of the Inshore Lifeboat Centre firsthand, but are asked to book beforehand.
- Invergordon lifeboat station was established in 1974, athough other stations a Nairn and Cromarty were open and then closed earlier.
- Kilkeel lifeboat station was established in the 1980s and operates an inshore lifeboat to cover an area with the largest fishing fleet in Ireland. The station is open by appointment only, although crew training is normally 8pm Tuesdays.
- Stromness lifeboat station was established in 1867 and operates an all weather lifeboat. Station only open by appointment.
- St Marys lifeboat station was established in 1837 and operates an all weather lifeboat. Station is open daily.
- Loch Ness lifeboat station operates cover for the inland Loch. Station open by appointment only.
