Southend-on-Sea RNLI

Southend Lifeboat Station

There are 235 lifeboat stations strategically placed around the UK and the Republic of Ireland and in 2010 the Southend Lifeboat Station was the second busiest with 127 launches and 130 persons rescued.

The station has more rescue units that any other station with 3 lifeboats and a hovercraft.

The lifeboat station at the end of Southend Pier has both a D class lifeboat and an Atlantic 75. The lifeboat station on the shore end of the Pier has another D class lifeboat and a hovercraft.

There are 45 volunteers trained as crewmembers, launchers and helpers. Two of these are young ladies.

Southend on Sea was one of the first stations to be considered for an inshore rescue hovercraft, where the extensive intertidal area and adjacent mudflats at this popular seaside resort beckon the unwary. From 2004 to 2010 it has launched 169 times saving 7 lives and assisting 239 persons.

This year the Southend Branch of the RNLI are raising funds to replace the existing shore side temporary structures and build a modern and flexible facility from where they can launch the search and rescue hovercraft and inshore lifeboat with ease and provide training areas for the volunteer crew members.

The Lifeboat Shop is at the end of Southend Pier. It is staffed by volunteers 7 days a week all through the year except for Xmas Day. It stocks a vast range of gifts from pencils and Christmas cards to large model boats and clothing. All of the profits go towards keeping the lifeboats afloat to save lives.

It is possible to get a first class view of the inside of the lifeboat house and the lifeboats from the viewing platform inside the shop. The shop staff are very friendly and available to answer any questions you may have. You can be assured of a warm reception.

Please pay us a visit. You will not be disappointed.