North Berwick RNLI lifeboat slipway refurbishment work commences
A slipway at North Berwick, which has been in use by the RNLI since 1860 is to undergo a significant refurbishment, putting it out of action for several months, resulting in an alternative route for lifeboat launch and recovery.
Hundreds of lifeboat launches and wear from the sea has taken its toll on the old lifeboat slipway at North Berwick with large parts of the surface being left unsuitable for the safe launch and recovery of the lifeboat.
The RNLI and North Berwick Harbour Trust are therefore undertaking a significant refurbishment over the next few months. The current surface, stone from North Berwick Law, will be recycled where possible with cobbled pathways added and the underlying structure secured.
Whilst the work is taking place the lifeboat will be launching along an alternative route via Victoria Road, Harbour Terrace and along the Lower Quay. This route involves some constrained areas and blind turns so shore crew members will be stopping pedestrian and vehicle traffic in advance of the lifeboat's arrival.
Lifeboat Operations Manager for North Berwick, Ricky Martin said "We understand that the launching of the lifeboat can be an exciting event to witness, however we ask that members of the public, either walking or in cars, to please pay attention to directions from shore crew members, sticking to pavements and keeping well clear of the launch vehicle and trailer when it is manoeuvring.
"This is to help us launch the lifeboat as quickly as possible ensuring that there is no delay to a potential life saving rescue, whilst ensuring our crew and the public remain safe."
The work started today (23 October) and is due to be completed in the new year.
Notes to editors
- In 2022 RNLI lifeboats from 238 stations across the UK and RoI launched 9,312 times saving 389 lives, RNLI Lifeguards saved a further 117 lives.
- It cost £1,400 a year to train each crew member in the lifesaving skills they need to answer the call for help
- 97% of the RNLI’s frontline lifesavers are volunteers including over 5,700 lifeboat crew members.
- In 2022 it cost the RNLI £188M to run it’s charitable lifesaving service, 6 in 10 of the lifeboat launches were funded be generous supporters leaving the RNLI a gift in their will.
- Library footage and images of North Berwick RNLI are available on request, please use the contacts below.
RNLI media contacts
Matthew Gibbons, Deputy Lifeboat Press Officer, North Berwick, [email protected]
Natasha Bennett, RNLI Regional Media Officer for Scotland, 07826 900639, [email protected]
Martin Macnamara, RNLI Regional Media Manager for Scotland, 07920 365929, [email protected]
24 hour RNLI Central Press Office, 01202 336789 or email [email protected]
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.
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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.