Swanage is one of the busiest lifeboat stations in the UK and is one of only three stations with a slipway launched Mersey class lifeboat.With the increasing number of leisure users getting into difficulty close to the shore, a D class inflatable lifeboat was placed on station in 1994.
This was replaced in 2003 with the new station D class lifeboat, D-613 Jack Cleare. Costing £25,000, it was donated by Mrs Cleare.
During 1992 the boathouse was adapted for the station's new Mersey class lifeboat, providing improved crew facilities. The slipway was completely rebuilt. The station's new Mersey class lifeboat was officially named Robert Charles Brown. Robert Charles Brown BEM was a much respected lifeboatman at Swanage for over 50 years. The lifeboat cost £650,000.
Ten Gallantry Medals have been awarded, five Silver and five Bronze, the last in 1996 to Coxswain Christopher Haw. When five crew from the yacht Be Happy were rescued in winds gusting to hurricane force. The Maud Smith Award for the most outstanding act of lifesaving during 1996 was also awarded to Coxswain Christopher Haw for this service.
Swanage Llifeboat station has 2 boats:
Robert Charles Brown ON-1182 (12-23)
Mersey class lifeboat
The Mersey class all weather lifeboat has protected propellers and is relatively lightweight, which make it suitable for carriage launching,
although it is capable of operating from slipways and may also lie afloat at berths.A small manually launched inflatable X boat is carried on board. This is used to assist in rescuing casualties and can be rowed into locations inaccessible to the all weather lifeboat.
Jack Cleare D-613
D class lifeboat (IB1)
The D class is the most numerous of the inshore fleet and was introduced in 1963 as the first inflatable lifeboat. Fast, light and with very shallow draught, it can respond rapidly and work in very shallow and confined waters. It is an ideal lifeboat for rescues close to shore in fair-to-moderate conditions in both daylight and darkness. It has a single outboard engine and can be launched from special trolleys or even manually.
Swanage Lifeboat Station is located in Peveril Point Road at
Swanage Lifeboat House
Peveril Point Road
Swanage
BH19 2AY
Open: Apr & Sept 1200 - 1500 Mon-Fri
May - Aug 1030 - 1630 Mon-Fri
June - Sept 1200 - 1500 Sunday
Directions: Follow signs to Durlston Country
Park, then through Broad Rd car park.
Contact for group visits: David Turnbull or see website to book
Tel: 01929 423237
Web: rnli.org