Lifeboat station welcomes over 21,000 visitors in a year of public support

The lifeboat station recorded over 21,000 visitors in 2025, including 51 pre-booked groups and 19,325 walk-ins, and has 13 group visits already booked for 2026.

The lifeboat station reported it welcomed over 21,000 visitors in 2025, giving the public a closer look at the life‑saving work carried out by volunteer crew and guides. Interest has remained strong following the station's record‑breaking bicentenary year in 2024. Pre-arranged visits often involve schools and youth organisations, while walk-in visitors use a viewing gantry with interactive screens and children's activities. The team also carries out outreach to local care homes, community groups and charities within a 10-mile radius. Visit details: - Over 21,000 visitors recorded in 2025, including 51 pre-booked groups and 19,325 walk-in visitors. - 13 group visits already booked for 2026. - Pre-booked groups include schools, Scouts, Marine Cadets and international student groups. - Guides showcase the station's two lifeboats, the Shannon class all-weather lifeboat and the D-class inshore lifeboat, and explain water safety and lifesaving work. - Volunteer crew, guides and the shop team explain that the RNLI provides a 24/7 search and rescue service funded entirely by public donations. Summary: The high visitor numbers helped raise public awareness of the RNLI's mission and the volunteers' work. The station continues community outreach and has group visits scheduled into 2026.