The Southend-on-Sea RNLI lifeboat station has welcomed eight new recruits who have embarked on their journey to becoming fully trained lifesaving volunteers. This fresh intake includes five lifeboat crew members, two shore crew, and a launching authority, all of whom will undergo rigorous training to support the vital work of the RNLI.
Laying the foundation: Shore crew training
Before taking on their specific roles, all new volunteers start as shore crew—a crucial position responsible for assisting with the launch and recovery of lifeboats, preparing vessels for service, and maintaining the lifeboat station and its equipment. Given the complexity of Southend-on-Sea RNLI’s operations, which involve three lifeboats, an inshore rescue hovercraft, two stations, and both tractor and davit launching systems, the training process is extensive and demanding.
During the initial weeks, trainees become familiar with the lifeboat stations, the layout of the lifeboats, essential health and safety protocols, personal protective equipment (PPE), operational procedures, VHF radio communications, teamwork, and ropework. Once these foundational skills are mastered, they progress to hands-on training, focusing on preparing the lifeboats for service and executing launches.
Commitment and teamwork at the heart of training
Southend RNLI volunteer lifeboat crew and trainer assessor Iain Keenan praised the dedication of the new recruits, stating: “It’s always great to welcome new trainee recruits willing to give up their time selflessly in the service of those at risk or in danger in and around our seas. The training is extensive and demanding, so it’s great to see that our new recruits have taken to the task so admirably and are working hard. On top of that, they are fostering the RNLI values of teamwork and commitment and are to be highly commended.”
A unique and demanding station
Each of the RNLI’s 238 lifeboat stations has its own unique challenges, and Southend-on-Sea is no exception. Operating across two locations, the station manages four lifeboats, ensuring rapid response to emergencies across its vast coastal area. The inshore station, located on the mainland, houses the D class lifeboat (ILB1) William Henderson (D-771) and the inshore rescue hovercraft (IRH) Vera Ravine (H-004)—one of only four hovercraft in service with the RNLI. These are launched using a New Holland Boomer 50 tractor.
Meanwhile, the offshore station, situated one and a third miles out at the end of Southend Pier—the world’s longest pleasure pier—is home to a second D class lifeboat (ILB2) Len Thorne GM DFC (D-818) and an Atlantic 85 (B-885) Julia & Angus Wright, which can be viewed from the Southend-on-Sea RNLI Shop. The offshore lifeboats are deployed via davit.
To ensure they can reach the offshore station quickly and safely, the volunteer crew use two electric buggies, which cover the 1.3-mile distance in just six minutes. This rapid transit system is essential in responding to emergencies with speed and efficiency.
Always ready to respond
With Southend’s low water mark extending over a mile offshore, having four lifeboats stationed across both locations is essential for ensuring rapid response at any tide. The area’s vast sand and mudflats at low tide present unique rescue challenges, making it vital that all assets are kept in peak condition.
To guarantee they are always ready to launch when the pager goes off, the RNLI’s volunteer crew and shore crew work tirelessly to clean and maintain the lifeboats, buggies, tractor, davit, and boathouses. Search and rescue operations can last for hours, and ensuring that every piece of equipment is in top working order is critical to the safety of both the crew and those they save.
As these eight new volunteers step into their lifesaving roles, they join a long and proud tradition of Southend-on-Sea RNLI heroes, dedicated to protecting lives at sea. Their training may be tough, but the rewards—saving lives and serving their community—are immeasurable.