RNLI Bembridge Lifeboat Station — Local services in England

I wasn't expecting that... I have seen quite a few launches on BBC's Saving Lives at Sea, but, seeing it for real is a different matter. While the crew prepare for launch there's a sense of professional purpose and calm, but when the boat is released there's a lot of energy, noise, and an unexpected rush of air. When boat hits the sea, and the engines are opened up...spectacular. It made me wonder what it would be like for the crew, both boat and shore when it's blowing a gale early hours mid winter. If you can make a launch evening please do ( they are regular thought the summer so check their website and social media for details) volunteers are at hand to explain the processes and to answer questions. It is humbling to think that they are all volunteers, ready to drop everything to help those who need assistance, around the clock, everyday, all year,...

This museum is at the end of the Pier and it didn't look open but then when people were coming out I chose to see what was going on. There are mannequins wearing different uniforms on display. The Lifeboat was actually sitting on the launch. The boat is active and there is information about how many saves they have saved and special stories about different saves they have made ie. Like the swan. The volunteer shared lots of information ie. There was this tidbit - an anonymous donor donated over 50% for the boat and they get to name the boat. There are activities for children ie. Colouring pages, dress up outfits,etc.

Note - there is an elevator that takes people up and down if they cannot...

We visited Bembridge lifeboat station as part of a tour organised by Bembridge Coastal Hotel. The tour guide (apologies, we have forgotten the gentleman's name - we were on the tour between Christmas and New Year!) was fantastic: he was clearly passionate about the lifeboat station and answered questions with expertise and enthusiasm. We stayed behind after the tour and he answered our questions for about 30 minutes! He really brought the lifeboat station and its cause to life. It's a tour highly recommended for all ages, including young children....