In 2025 we celebrated 150 years of lifeboat operations at Swanage, alongside one of our busiest years for callouts, attending over 80 rescues. Among these were several life-saving operations, where the crew was able to rescue individuals in peril at sea who might otherwise have perished.
One such dramatic rescue occurred when Swanage RNLI responded to a yacht that had lost control and was heading towards the cliffs at St Alban’s Head. With its engine malfunctioning and the crew unable to control the vessel amid gale-force winds and rough seas, the all-weather lifeboat crew established a tow, bringing all three crew members safely to shore.
The RNLI has recently celebrated 200 years of operation, and its mission remains the same: to save lives at sea. Yet, as the charity enters its third century, the nature of rescues is evolving. Today, 98% of coastal services are located within 10 nautical miles of shore, as recreational activities like open water swimming and
Paddleboarding has increased, compared to the past when commercial fishermen were the primary users of the coast, further offshore.
The RNLI is adapting to these changes to ensure the right lifeboats are always in the right places to save the greatest number of lives and that volunteers have the best training and equipment to keep them safe.
Photo credit: Nick Leach
