located at the eastern end of the Isle of Wight, adjacent to the infamous Bembridge Ledge
The @RNLI's lifeguards can't be everywhere this summer. If you're heading to the coast, #BeBeachSafe: please check the weather and tides, keep an eye on your family and don't use inflatables. In an emergency call 999 for the Coastguard. Find safety advice at https://bit.ly/BeachSafety_RNLI
RNLI statement following UK Prime Minister’s announcement on 10 May
The RNLI is currently seeking further clarity following the update given by the UK Prime Minister last night (10 May) and will be engaging with a number of watersport governing bodies and other stakeholders to help inform its response.
Many people will want to visit the coast and participate in water-based activities such as swimming, kayaking, surfing, boating and angling.
At present there are no RNLI lifeguards on beaches and although our volunteer lifeboat crews are fully operational, should they be needed, it is important that anyone visiting the coast understands the risk and takes the necessary steps to keep themselves safe. This will also help to reduce the demands placed on our lifeboat crews and other emergency services including HM Coastguard. In this way we can all work together to succeed in ensuring the coast is a safe place to visit.
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 2020, the crew have been involved in 13 services (shouts) (6 ALB & 7 ILB) and have rescued or assisted (or potentially assisted) 11 people.
The most recent ALB shout was on 16th May 2020. The most recent ILB shout was on 16th May 2020. Click here for details of "shouts">>
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.
Although changes may be necessary at short notice for operational reasons, the next planned ALB training launches are currently expected to be on:
There are no training launches currently planned due to the restrictions imposed to help halt the coronavirus pandemic.
Offshore Boathouse & Shop Opening Times
In accordance with Government guidelines the RNLI station shop and the Offshore Boathouse are closed to the public for the time being.
There have been no reports of any Bembridge volunteers experiencing symptoms of the virus at the station or while at home. However, since Bembridge attracts a large number of visitors compared to many other stations in the RNLI, it has been decided it would be sensible to keep it closed to the public for the time being.
Area Lifesaving Manager Ed Stevens said: ‘We realise this may be disappointing to the many people who enjoy visiting our shop and boathouse at Bembridge. However, our priority has to be ensuring the lifeboat station remains operational and able to save lives at sea. We look forward to welcoming visitors back into the building as soon as possible and thank people for their understanding’.
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.
| DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE ACTIVITY PACKS! |
Alan Doe recently retired as a member of the shore crew
Cowes 'Solent' Get Together - Saturday 18th January 2020
Guild & Crew Christmas Dinner at Bembridge SC - 14th December
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
Isle of Wight Swimsafe 2018 awarded top 'site'
Verena's Mural
Steve's Last Shout (30th June 2018)
HMS Queen Elizabeth - Portsmouth 16th August 2017
(photo kindly by Gosport & Fareham Inshore Rescue)
British America's Cup Sailors meeting the Island's Next Generation
(Sunday 23rd July - Sea View Yacht Club)
photos by Harriet Hadfield
7th July 2017 Shout!
Photos by kind permission of Darren Toogood, The Island Echo.
150 years of Lifesaving at Bembridge (10th June 2017)
A fantastic day yesterday (Saturday 10th June). I am sure that there will be lots of better photos, particularly of the Ceremony, however I have uploaded the ones that I took to a web album - the link to view is:
History of Bembridge Lifeboat (June 2016)
Exciting news, 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.
Fast growing in popularity as a visitor attraction, you can now book a free tour to come inside the ILC and new interactive visitor and heritage centre, where you’ll find out just what makes this site so vital to our lifesaving efforts. Alternatively call 01983 292521 (Monday to Friday 8am - 5pm. Guided tours are on Tuesdays & Thursdays and for 2020 will start at 11am. They last for an hour to an hour and a half. Group tours for schools, clubs and other visiting organisations are very welcome.
For more details visit: https://rnli.org/what-we-do/lifeboats-and-stations/building-our-lifeboats/inshore-lifeboat-centre
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. Read our updated privacy policy in full below. To update your choices, head to our preferences page.
For more details see:
"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