RNLI Mudeford Lifeboat

Home
United Kingdom
Dorset
RNLI Mudeford Lifeboat

Directions Website Contact the organisation

Welcome to the RNLI Mudeford Lifeboat page and thanks for joining and showing your support.

28/09/2026

MUDEFORD RNLI RESCUES SWIMMER TRAPPED AGAINST ROCKS

On Wednesday evening (23 Sep), our crew were out on exercise when they were tasked at 6.14pm to a swimmer in difficulty at Barton on Sea.

The casualty had become trapped against rocks on a groyne, with the swell making it impossible for her to get out safely. Our Atlantic 85, Henrietta H, was quickly on scene by 6.18pm.

Two of our crew entered the water to help bring the casualty away from the rocks and through the surf. Once clear, a throw rope was deployed and the casualty was brought onto the lifeboat.

Extremely cold, she was then taken back to the station and warmed up. With no further treatment required the casualty was taken home. She was also advised on signs of secondary drowning as a precaution.

Lifeboat Operations Manager, Steve Doe said, 'This was a very serious incident and we are pleased the rescue had a positive outcome. Conditions around groynes and rocks can become extremely hazardous very quickly, particularly when there is any swell running. The casualty found herself in a situation where she simply couldn’t get clear safely.

'I’d like to thank the members of the public who raised the alarm so quickly. Their actions undoubtedly helped us respond rapidly and played a crucial part in what could have been a very different outcome. Quite simply, they helped save a life.'

The RNLI would remind anyone entering the water to be aware of local conditions, avoid swimming near structures such as groynes and rocks, and always have a means of calling for help. In an emergency, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.

For more information visit: rnli.org/water-safety

The Mudeford RNLI Atlantic 85 lifeboat, Henrietta H, has launched 74 times this year so far and launched 77 times in 2025.

Photo: Mudeford RNLI on exercise (Credit - Mudeford RNLI/Mike Newman)

31/08/2026

THANK YOU TERRY!

Today we say a heartfelt thank you to Terry Smith as he steps down from Mudeford RNLI after 9 years of dedicated volunteering.

Terry joined the station in 2017 as shore crew, before going on to qualify as Head Launcher and Tractor Driver, playing a vital role in launching our lifeboat.

In 2018, he took on the important position of Boathouse Manager, overseeing station maintenance and working closely with contractors to keep everything running smoothly behind the scenes.

Terry has been a valued and dependable member of the team, always willing to step up and support the station in whatever way was needed.

Mudeford RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Operations Manager Steve Doe said, 'Terry has made a huge contribution to Mudeford Lifeboat Station over the past nine years. His commitment, particularly in his role as Boathouse Manager, has been invaluable in keeping the station operational and well maintained.

'He will be greatly missed by everyone here, and we wish him all the very best for the future as he spends more time with his family.'

As Terry moves away from the Mudeford area, we thank him for his service, dedication, and friendship, and wish him every happiness for the next chapter.

Thank you, Terry 💙

Photo: Terry (middle) receives a letter of thanks from the RNLI with joint Lifeboat Operations Managers, Tim Hewett (left) and Steve Doe (right) - Credit: Mudeford RNLI

03/08/2026

www.mudefordrnlifunday.com

31/07/2026

BUSY TIMES FOR MUDEFORD RNLI

Our crews have responded to a number of incidents over recent days, highlighting just how quickly situations can develop on the water.

Saturday 25 July - Launched at 6.49pm to reports of a broken down jet ski half a mile off Highcliffe Beach. On arrival, the casualty vessel was found to be a broken down RIB, which the crew began towing back towards Christchurch Harbour.

While returning, the crew spotted paddleboarders struggling to make it back to shore. The tow was safely paused while the casualties were assisted ashore, before the crew resumed the tow.

After returning to station, refuelling and washdown, the crew were tasked again to a female on an inflatable drifting out to sea off the Long Groyne. Thankfully, by the time the lifeboat arrived on scene at 8.46pm, the casualty had made it safely back to shore.

Sunday 26 July - Launched at 4.31pm to a broken down speedboat with three people on board. A jet ski that had gone to assist had also suffered engine failure.

The crew recovered all casualties onto the lifeboat and towed the speedboat back to Christchurch Harbour, before returning to recover the stranded jet ski. The lifeboat was back on service by 6.25pm.

Wednesday 29 July - Launched at 8.13pm to a lone canoeist off Hengistbury Head struggling to return to shore. The casualty was quickly located, recovered onto the lifeboat and safely returned to land. The crew were back on service by 8.55pm.

Mudeford RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager Steve Doe said:
‘It was a busy time for the Mudeford Lifeboat Station with several incidents in just a few days. We’re seeing a mix of preventable situations — from broken down craft to people being caught out on paddleboards and inflatables.

'If you’re heading out on the water, please make sure your vessel is well maintained, carry a means of calling for help, and let someone know your plans.

'Paddleboarders and those using inflatables should stay close to shore, be aware of offshore winds and tides, and always wear a buoyancy aid. A little preparation can make a big difference.’

Remember, if you see someone in difficulty on the water call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

For more information on how to stay safe on the water visit: www.rnli.org.uk/safety

Photo - the Mudeford RNLI Atlantic 85 lifeboat, Henrietta H, and crew return to Christchurch Harbour - Credit: Emma Paliotta Photography

30/07/2026

HELP US SAVE LIVES AT SEA!

Mudeford RNLI Lifeboat Station are looking for boat and shore crew volunteers. Applications welcome from everyone. Find out more at RNLI.org/volunteer or contact Steve or Tim email: [email protected]

Please note boat and shore crew volunteers must live within 2 miles of the station.

All volunteers must be 18 or over.

19/07/2026

TWO SHOUTS FOR MUDEFORD RNLI THIS WEEKEND

Our volunteer crew were called out twice over the weekend to assist incidents along our coastline.

Friday night (17 July)

Launched at 11.10pm to a sailing yacht with two people on board aground off Hengistbury Head. The crew were on scene within minutes and stood by while the yacht safely refloated. Once clear, we went alongside to check the occupants – both were safe and well. With the yacht anchored, the crew returned to station.

Saturday evening (18 July)

Launched at 7.13pm to an injured jet skier near Avon Beach. Three crew went ashore to assist a female casualty who had been thrown from the jet ski and was struggling to breathe, with suspected rib injuries. The team provided casualty care and kept her comfortable until paramedics arrived. She was then taken to hospital for further treatment.

Mudeford RNLi volunteer Helm Andy Read said
'We would always urge anyone heading afloat to carry appropriate safety equipment, let someone know your plans, and ensure you have a reliable means of calling for help.

'For those using personal watercraft, wearing suitable protective gear and staying within your limits can make a real difference.'

Our Atlantic 85 lifeboat, Henrietta H has now launched 48 times so far this year, following 77 launches in 2025.

Photo: Mudeford RNLI crew on a training exercise off Avon Beach with HM Coastguard (Credit: Mudeford RNLI/Tim Orr)

12/07/2026

LATE NIGHT SHOUT FOR MUDEFORD RNLI

Just after England kicked off against Norway last night, our volunteer lifeboat crew were paged at 10.16pm to a speedboat broken down around half a mile off Avon Beach.

Launching at 10.27pm, the crew began searching and eventually located the vessel south of Hengistbury Head—by this point being pushed further and further offshore towards Swanage by the wind and tide.

The crew quickly established a tow and brought the casualty safely back to Mudeford Lifeboat Station. Thankfully, the casualty was safe and well.

The casualty was wearing a lifejacket, but the boat had no lights and no provisions on board. The alarm was raised by mobile phone, but signal was poor.

Mudeford RNLI volunteer Helm Pete Dadds said:
'A mobile phone isn’t always reliable at sea. We’d strongly recommend carrying a VHF radio or a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB)—they can make all the difference in helping us find you quickly.'

Mudeford RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager Steve Doe added:
“We are relieved the casualty was recovered safe and well but this was a situation that could have had a much more serious outcome.

'The boat was drifting further and further out to sea. Before heading out, ensure your boat is well maintained, you have provisions aboard, and a reliable means of communication. If you must go out at night, make sure your vessel has the appropriate lights.'

⚓ Check your kit. Check the conditions. Stay safe.

Photo: Mudeford RNLI's Atlantic 85, Henrietta H and Crew head out of Christhchurch Harbour (Credit: Mudeford RNLI/Robert King)

09/07/2026

MUDEFORD RNLI FUNDAY 9 AUG 2026

For information and what's happening at this year's Funday visit:

https://www.mudefordrnlifunday.com/

07/07/2026

MUDEFORD RNLI FUNDAY SUP RACES 9 AUG - SIGN UP NOW!
With this year's Funday fast approaching don't forget to sign up for this year's SUP Races. Organised by The SUP Store and sponsored by Portman Stone with support from Highcliffe Sailing Club- entry is free and there are great prizes to be won.
Choose the fun Paddleboard 200m Dash or for the more experienced, the 400m Technical Sprint. Details and registration at:
www.thesupschool.co.uk/rnli-funday

04/07/2026

DAWN RESCUE FOR MUDEFORD RNLI

Mudeford RNLI volunteers rescued two people after their jet ski suffered engine failure approximately 1.5 miles south-east of Hengistbury Head during a dawn callout on Friday 3 July.

The two casualties were able to alert HM Coastguard before their mobile phone battery failed. With communications lost, HM Coastguard broadcast a Pan-Pan message, requesting assistance from vessels in the area. However, with no response the Mudeford RNLI's volunteer crew were paged.

The Atlantic 85 lifeboat, Henrietta H, launched at 5.56am, arriving on scene at 6.06am. With the offshore wind and ebbing tide the casualties had drifted around two miles from shore.

They were taken aboard the lifeboat while the disabled craft was placed under tow and safely returned to Mudeford Lifeboat Station.
Once ashore, the casualties were warmed up by the volunteer crew and required no further medical treatment.

The lifeboat was recovered, refuelled and made ready for its next service.

Mudeford RNLI volunteer Helm Andy Read said, 'The two casualties were well prepared for the water with lifejackets but had a problem with their mobile phone. It is always advisable to check your means of communication and to have a back-up.

'If you're operating offshore, consider carrying a handheld VHF radio or a personal locator beacon to make it easier for you to be located if you get into trouble. We are pleased the casualties were recovered safely.'

The Mudeford RNLI Atlantic 85 lifeboat, Henrietta H, has launched 37 times this year so far and 77 times in 2025.

For more information on how to stay safe on the water visit: https://rnli.org.uk/safety

Photo: Mudeford RNLI's Atlantic 85 lifeboat and crew head out at dawn from Christchurch Harbour Credit: Tom Gaunt)

Address

RNLI Mudeford Lifeboat Station, Mudeford Quay, Christchurch
Dorset
BH234AB

Website

http://rnli.org/findmynearest/station/Pages/Mudeford-Lifeboat-Station.aspx

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when RNLI Mudeford Lifeboat posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organisation

Send a message to RNLI Mudeford Lifeboat:

Want your organisation to be the top-listed non profit organisation in Dorset?