Skegness RNLI Lifeboat Station: A Year of Remarkable Achievement

This year, the station conducted 112 training exercises, an increase of 39 compared to 2022, with 78 on the inshore lifeboat (ILB) and 34 on the all-weather lifeboat (ALB).

The crew dedicated over 1,350 hours at sea (that's 56 days) and, led by newly qualified Helm and Trainee Navigator Ryan Speed, who amassed 148 hours, and Helm and Trainee Mechanic Martin Stokes with 127 hours. The shore crew played an indispensable role, with Alan Gordon-Griffiths attending 83 of the 112 training exercises, Rafal Jurek with 53, and Trevor Holland with 29 attendances (also one of our Launch Authorities).

Skegness RNLI launched on service to emergencies 35 times, as well as 14 crew assemblies, marking a slight increase from the previous year. Of these launches, 27 were on the inshore lifeboat, and eight were on the all-weather lifeboat. The station saved six lives and assisted 17 individuals in distress. RNLI Skegness' volunteer crew spent 284 collective hours at sea for service launches (that's over 11 days) showcasing the commitment of the station's volunteers to saving lives at sea.

Paul Simpson, Lifeboat Operations Manager, stated 'I am immensely proud of the dedication and hard work shown by our volunteers this year. Their commitment to saving lives at sea has not only strengthened our station but has also made a tangible difference to our community. The growth and accomplishments we've seen this year are a testament to their incredible efforts.'

Notable service launches

• Skegness RNLI launch to sinking vessel south of Skegness
• RNLI Skegness and Humber launch to vessel in distress off Skegness
• Skegness RNLI volunteer crew rescue six-year-old child 3/4 of a mile out to sea
• RNLI Skegness all-weather lifeboat launches to assist lone sailor
• Skegness RNLI lifeboat launched to a casualty in the water in The Wash
• Two lives saved in first lifeboat shout for new Helm at Skegness RNLI
  

The station welcomed new crew members Ritchie Harman, Jaiden Elson, Alex Collins, Simon Bell, and Adam Kendrick, along with new Launch Authority Tony Johnson and Lifeboat Operations Manager, Paul Simpson. The year also saw significant crew developments with Martin Stokes, Lewis Knight, Ryan Speed, Curtis Redford, and Billy Brookes qualifying as Helms, Lewis Knight and Nick Smith as ALB Navigators, and Rafal Jurek as an ILB Tractor Driver.

During the summer, the station worked with Lincolnshire Police on Operation Atlantis, which brought together Lincolnshire Police, HM Coastguard, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), NCI Coastwatch and East Lindsey District Council in a two-phase approach to ensure safety during the summer season.

Craig Willard, Station Coxswain, commented 'The development of our volunteer crew has been nothing short of exceptional. Their commitment to training has been crucial in enabling us to continue our lifesaving work. The progress they've made, both individually and as a team, is a source of great pride and is critical to our mission at Skegness Lifeboat.'

Across social media, Skegness Lifeboat Station achieved an impressive reach, with over 4.1 million people engaged on Facebook and 90,000 on Instagram. The fundraising team raised over a remarkable £110,000, highlighting the community's incredible support. This included an event, held in August 2023 in torrential rain, aptly named '100 miles with 100 Cyclists', which raised £32,458.36 for the lifeboat station.

The station's Water Safety Education team engaged with over 2,700 individuals through the water safety education scheme this year. The station's ever successful Flag Week in July raised over £5,700 for the lifeboat station as well as providing lots of amazing ways to engage with the community.

The station also launched new initiatives and continued popular events like the Sausage and Mash night, Mulled Wine and Carols event, and the 2nd annual crew toy drive.

The station wishes to thank every volunteer crew member, fundraiser, shop volunteer and family members for their continued commitment across this year. Additionally, the station wishes to thank the community for the continued support of the station's work.

Fancy some of the action? Why not find out about our volunteering opportunities!

To make a donation to the RNLI’s Christmas Appeal, and enable the charity to continue its lifesaving work, visit: RNLI.org/WinterAppeal

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 142,700 lives.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.