Located at the eastern end of the Isle of Wight, adjacent to the infamous Bembridge Ledge
The Offshore Boathouse & Walkway are now open to visitors. Daily opening hours are 2pm to 3.45pm. Visitors to the Boathouse are encouraged to wear masks and sanitise hands on entry. The Shop is currently open from 2pm to 4pm.
Extended opening hours (11am to 4pm (3.45pm for the Offshore Boathouse) will apply over the Summer half term (28th May - 5th June).
Do come and watch our training launches. Subject to the usual operational priorities, the next training launch will be on Tuesday 31st May at 7pm. Our numbers cap has recently been increased but we still suggest you do not leave until the last minute!
www.justgiving.com/fundraising/rnli-bembridge-lifesavers-2022
We would urge anyone planning a visit to the coast to follow RNLI safety advice:
• Take care near cliffs - know your route and your limitations
• Have a plan - check the weather forecast and tide times
• If you fall into the water unexpectedly, FLOAT TO LIVE. Fight your instinct to thrash around, lean back, extend your arms and legs, and Float
• If individuals are choosing to go sailing or yachting it is important to ensure that equipment is properly checked and serviceable before going afloat.
• In any coastal emergency dial 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.
So far in 2022, the crew have been involved in 10 services (shouts) (7 ALB & 3 ILB) and rescued or assisted (or potentially assisted) 16 people. The most recent ALB shout was on 25th May 2022. The most recent ILB shout was on 9th April 2022. Click here for details of "shouts">>
In 2021, the crew were involved in 37 services (shouts) (19 ALB & 18 ILB) and rescued or assisted (or potentially assisted) 63 people (at least one of whom was definitely a life saved). See History Timeline & News for more detail.
In 2020, the crew were involved in 51 services (shouts) (23 ALB & 28 ILB) and have rescued or assisted (or potentially assisted) 87 people (none included for the Nave Andromeda incident on 25th Oct). See History Timeline & News for more detail.
In 2019, the crew were involved in 48 services (shouts) (29 ALB & 19 ILB) and have rescued or assisted (or potentially assisted) 74 people and one dog (excludes the passengers onboard 'Victoria of Wight' on 1st November!). Although the two shouts on 12th & 13th November have both been included, the numbers rescued or assisted have only been counted once. There were a number of 'Cancel Launches' - the most recent on 15th December. See History Timeline & News for more detail.
In 2018, the crew were involved in 38 services (shouts) (31 ALB & 7 ILB) and rescued or assisted (or potentially assisted) 74 people. There were a number of cancelled launches (both boats) She launched for training with an RN Merlin Mk2 helicopter from HMS Queen Elizabeth on 16th August. See History Timeline & News for more detail.
In 2017, the crew were involved in 52 services (shouts) (36 ALB & 16 ILB) and have rescued or assisted (or potentially assisted) 97 people, 3 dogs, an inflatable swan, 2 inflatable dinghies and a plastic traffic bollard! See History Timeline & News for more detail.
In 2016, the crew were involved in 45 services (shouts) (33 ALB & 12 ILB) and have rescued or assisted 77 people. See History Timeline & News for more detail.
In 2015, the crew were involved in 39 services (shouts) (30 ALB & 9 ILB) and rescued or assisted 86 people. See History Timeline & News for more detail.
In 2014 there were 33 shouts (29 ALB & 4 ILB) with 62 people being rescued or assisted. See History Timeline & News for more detail.
In 2013 there were 34 shouts (24 ALB & 10 ILB) with 67 people being rescued or assisted. See History Timeline & News for more detail.
School & Group Visits
Bookings are now being taken for group visits. Please contact our Visits Officer deborah.meadows@sky.com to discuss availability. However, for any groups still meeting remotely, we can offer a virtual presentation.
These presentations can be tailored to your needs - please contact our Visits Officer deborah.meadows@sky.com to discuss if this might be of interest.
Virtual Tours of our Lifeboats
Sorry you can't visit our two lifeboats at the moment, however click on the links below for the next best thing!
360 viewing on-board the Lizard's Tamar Lifebout
Click: here
Recruiting (posted 2nd March)
We need you! With the Covid restrictions now being eased we are recruiting for Afloat and Shore Based crew. Both positions have full training to become part of the RNLI family at Bembridge. For more information of what is involved please contact John Keyworth, the Operations Manager, on 07725 432990
Activity Packs for Children during the Lockdown
If you are looking for ways to get creative, then you can't go wrong with our free Storm Force activity packs. Full of colouring-in sheets, puzzles and activities for you to do with your family, friends, or just by yourself, you'll be able to disappear into a world of lifeboat-themed inspiration. And it's all completely free!
Plus, you'll also be learning important water safety advice that will help keep you safe the next time you visit the seaside. There are two activity packs for you to download with more on the way; for the time being please contact Deborah if you would like details of how to get them.
Dawn Hodge becomes the first female helm of Bembridge RNLI’s D-Class Inshore Lifeboat
Dawn Hodge, who joined Bembridge RNLI in November 2018, has successfully passed her D-Class helm assessment to become the first ever female helm in the station’s 155-year history.
Dawn was born and grew up in Bembridge before leaving the island to study at university in Leeds. After graduating, she worked in sports management for several years, latterly for UK Sport in London working in world sports events. After London, Dawn moved to France and ran a ski chalet business with her partner, before returning to the Island in 2010. Dawn now works as a sports massage and soft tissue therapist, having trained at the prestigious London School of Sports Massage.
Dawn has always loved her sport and has previous representative honours in rugby, hockey and athletics. When not on the lifeboat or working, Dawn can often be found on the golf course.
John Keyworth, Lifeboat Operations Manager, Bembridge RNLI commented on Dawn’s success “I am delighted with Dawn’s progress, since joining the station just three years ago with no boating experience, to have now achieved the position of helm is a testament to her commitment, passion and enthusiasm. Not forgetting of course, the countless hours of study and practice she has put in to achieve this position.”
Guy Willing, Coxswain Bembridge RNLI said “The responsibility of helm on the inshore lifeboat is one which requires a calm head and hand in what can be testing conditions. Now I know that the tradition of highly competent helms at Bembridge RNLI will be carried on and I have no doubt Dawn will do us proud in the future.”
Dawn said “It’s a privilege to be a helm at Bembridge, let alone the first female helm. I’ve loved the challenges so far that being on the lifeboat have presented. I hope that my success shows that you don’t need to have a maritime background to get involved and will inspire more girls and women to volunteer for the RNLI.”
Bryan Jones (Mechanic) retires
Low Water Launch on 7th September 2021
(photo by Piers Trenear-Thomas)
Open Day 2021
Thank you so much for your generous support at last Saturday's Open Day (14th August). It was a great success and rained nearly £4,000. See the Bembridge Guild page for more details.
Young Fundraisers
The Grimaldi grandchildren after presenting Guy the proceeds (£218.46) they have raised over the summer holidays from selling home made crafts and cakes. Fantastic. This is the second time they have raised funds for Bembridge RNLI.
Young Cakemaking Fundraisers
Molly Gilbey and her cousin Annie Clegg usually make cup cakes for the RNLI but thought better of it this year with the pandemic and people not carrying cash and were determined to raise as much as possible by baking for their grandmother & Guild member Sally during the holidays. Between them, they have raised £70 [not their usual amount, alas!] so a big thank you girls.
MayDay Mile
A big thank you to George, Henry & Freddie who were the first young people to complete a full MayDay mile last Tuesday (1st June)
RNLI 'Advice if you are looking to take a winter dip'
Special Boat Service Plaque (Nave Andromeda) Shout
Alan Doe retiring as a member of the shore crew
Cowes 'Solent' Get Together - Saturday 18th January 2020
Excellence in Volunteering (November 2019)
Excellence in Volunteering Awards
Robin Ebsworth (Chairman of the IoW Lifeboat Board) presenting John & Lesley Gulliver with their "Excellence in Volunteering" Awards at the Bembridge RNLI Guild AGM on Wednesday 15th May
Defibrillator (AED) formally adopted (17th April 2019)
With thanks to the Co-operative Funeral Care, Lane End Beach Huts Ltd, The Wight Strollers and 5 Star Pest Control
Open Day 2019 - 17th August
Street Fair & Yellow Welly Week 2019
Verena's Mural
Steve's Last Shout (30th June 2018)
28th February 2018 Shout (Chandos)!
Christmas Star 2018
British America's Cup Sailors meeting the Island's Next Generation
(Sunday 23rd July 2017 - Sea View Yacht Club)
photos by Harriet Hadfield
150 years of Lifesaving at Bembridge (10th June 2017)
for me see: https://flic.kr/s/aHsm2gLRjw
History of Bembridge Lifeboat (June 2016)
Martin Woodward's fascinating and detailed "History of Bembridge Lifeboat" is available in the Bembridge RNLI shop so do come and buy a copy. A small number of signed copies are available in the Shop.
Photo by John Hendy (2016)
Visit the Inshore Lifeboat Centre in East Cowes
Based in East Cowes on the Isle of Wight, the Inshore Lifeboat Centre (ILC) supplies and maintains over half of the lifeboats for all of our lifeboat stations, as well as our lifeguard units.
Pre-Covid there was an increasing visitors programme, however sadly the Centre is currently closed to the general public. We will update this as soon as visits become possible again.
Amazing Photos of the Lifeboat Station
Have a look at a few of Jamie Currie's amazing photos of the Lifeboat Station and the surrounding area in the Image Gallery. For a larger selection click here.
Privacy & Security
Changes to our Privacy Policy
If you’re an existing RNLI supporter, the way you hear from us will depend on the preferences you expressed when you chose to opt in – or out – of our communications.
From 2 October 2019, the RNLI will use a new communication and contact policy. While we’ll still have an opt-in approach for email and text, we‘ll use Legitimate Interest as the basis for post and phone communications with new supporters. After reviewing our previous opt-in policy, we believe the combination of these two approaches will best meet the expectations of our supporters and the needs of the charity.
If you have previously opted in to receive RNLI communications, we’ll continue to respect the preferences that you last stated. But if you get in touch with us and fill in the new permissions statement, we’ll always use your latest instruction.
"With lifeboats, lifeguards and safety education the RNLI provides a ring of safety around the UK & ROI"
"With courage, nothing is impossible"
- Sir William Hillary, founder of the RNLI 1824