2025 marks Swanage Lifeboat Station’s 150th anniversary. We’ll be having some special activities to celebrate this milestone and remembering significant events from our history throughout the year. This will include an open day on Saturday 13 September to celebrate our 150 years.
We are trying to find photos of the first Swanage lifeboat that went on service on 16 September 1875. Can you help?
The “Charlotte Mary” was a 35ft. x 9ft., 10 oared self-righter, had been built by Forrestt, of Limehouse, at a cost of £389. The lifeboat was funded by a legacy from Miss Margaret Ryder Wilde in memory of her two late sisters. Mr. Henry Hixson became the station’s first Honorary Secretary, with William Masters was appointed Coxswain. The “Charlotte Mary” remained on service until 1890. Please get in touch if you have any photos (swanage@rnli.org.uk).
2025 started off the same as 2024, with the first callout of the year being in January, during the hour before 3pm to a dog fallen from Old Harry Rocks. Fortunately on both occasions the dog survived the fall, but had landed on part of the shore that was not accessible by land.
We urge anyone walking the cliff coastal paths to stay a safe distance away from the edge and if you have a dog to keep it on a lead at all times.