Solent Rescue Independant Lifeboat

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Solent Rescue Independant Lifeboat

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🛟 Independent Lifeboat Charity
📍Lepe Country Park, Western Solent in Hampshire

29/09/2026

Two of our volunteers are at Solent University today as part of our recruitment drive.

If you're on campus today, please come and have a chat with them. They’ll be happy to answer any questions and tell you more about volunteering with Solent Rescue.

We have a number of roles available, including:
Boat Crew – with opportunities to progress to Navigator and Coxswain
Land Crew – including tractor drivers
Fundraising and Support Roles

We provide internal training to help you develop your skills, so no prior experience is needed. We also offer opportunities to undertake courses including:
⛑️ Casualty Care
🛟 Personal Survival Techniques
🧭 Navigation
🚤 Powerboat Training

Whether you're looking for a new challenge, want to learn new skills, or simply want to give something back to your local community, there could be a place for you at Solent Rescue.

Come and speak to our volunteers today, or get in touch with us to find out more.

Charity No. 267039 | solent-rescue.org.uk

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25/09/2026

While carrying out routine training in the Solent during our last training night on Tuesday 15th September, SR02 was tasked to a broken-down vessel drifting on the ebb tide.

The vessel was located west of the Sconce Buoy. As SR02 arrived on scene, the vessel successfully restarted her engine. The crew transferred one crew member onboard, and es**rted the vessel safely back to Lymington.

📣🛟 We’re looking for volunteers!

We hold training sessions on fortnightly Tuesday evenings, along with duty days most Saturdays and Sundays.
If you’re interested in becoming part of the operational crew or helping in another role, we’d love to hear from you!

Charity No. 267039 | solent-rescue.org.uk

20/09/2026

Our volunteers are all set up down at Lepe Country Park today, and will be there until 4pm, ready to answer any questions you have about independent lifeboat organisations.

Whether you’re interested in becoming a crew member, helping with fundraising, or simply want to find out more about what we do, come along and have a chat with us.

Charity No. 267039 | solent-rescue.org.uk

18/09/2026

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to volunteer with a lifeboat crew, or perhaps you’ve thought about getting involved but weren’t sure what’s involved?

Come and meet us…
📍At Lepe Country Park
🗓️ This Sunday 20th September
⏰ Between 10am and 4pm to find out more!

Solent Rescue Lifeboat is an independent lifeboat, operating separately from the RNLI. While we fulfil a similar lifesaving and rescue role, we are an independent charity with our own crew, funding and operations.

We’ll be at Lepe alongside some fantastic local organisations and community groups, including Friends of Lepe, D-Day Lepe Heritage Group, NCI - Calshot Tower & Stone Point, and The Langley Hub.

Whether you’re interested in becoming a crew member, helping with fundraising, or simply want to find out more about what we do, come along and have a chat with us.

Charity No. 267039 | solent-rescue.org.uk

13/09/2026

During training this weekend, the crew put their training into practice when SR02 was tasked to a lone swimmer off Lymington, after they were spotted in difficulty by a passing sailor.

The swimmer was reported to be confused, with concerns around cold water shock and suspected hypothermia. SR02 was on scene within minutes, with two crew members going aboard to assess the casualty.

The casualty was deemed time crucial and transferred onto SR02 for immediate transport to Lymington, with TPA (thermal protective aid) used en route to help warm them. They were then handed over to the ambulance service for ongoing care.

A big shoutout to RNLI Lymington for their assistance and es**rt, it’s always a pleasure to work alongside some of our SAR colleagues.

Today was a reminder of why regular training is so important, but also of the vital role other water users can play in an emergency. Carrying a reliable means of calling for help can make all the difference. The passing sailor’s quick actions in spotting the swimmer and raising the alarm meant help could be mobilised quickly and ultimately played an important part in getting the casualty to safety.

📸 Sailingimages.co.uk

Charity No. 267039 | solent-rescue.org.uk

08/09/2026

On Sunday afternoon, SR01 was diverted from routine training by Solent Coastguard to assist a motor vessel that had issued a distress call due to a suspected runaway engine just off Hurst Point.

Our lifeboat made best speed to the casualty vessel, arriving shortly after the initial call. Thankfully, by the time our crew arrived, the skipper had managed to resolve the issue and no further assistance was required.

Aside from the tasking, the crew also carried out a range of routine training, including tow setup, emergency operating procedures, and helm training.

A great opportunity to put our training into practice and ensure the crew remains ready to respond when needed.

📸 Sailingimages.co.uk

Charity No. 267039 | solent-rescue.org.uk

01/09/2026

Solent Rescue is excited to be joining the Hythe Activity Day at Hythe Village Centre on Saturday 5th September, 10am–3pm.

If you’ve ever thought about volunteering with us, would like to find out more about what we do, or simply want to come along and have a chat, please come and say hello!

Charity No. 267039 | solent-rescue.org.uk

10/08/2026

COWES WEEK RECAP…

⏰ 535 volunteer hours
⌚️ 89 hours afloat

🗓️ 7 days of coverage
🌙 1 training evening

🚤 2 lifeboats afloat

☎️ 15 incidents attended including…
🧍‍♂️ 6 patients assessed
⛵️ 3 vessels aground
🔥 3 boat fires
🌊 2 people recovered from the water

🤝Worked alongside 8 partner agencies including…
Hamble Lifeboat, Calshot Lifeboat, Lymington CRT, Hill Head CRT, Ventnor CRT, Cowes Harbour Commission, South Central Ambulance Service, and Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service.

Charity No. 267039 | solent-rescue.org.uk

08/08/2026

The final few days of Cowes Week kept Solent Rescue busy!

On Thursday, whilst providing event cover, SR2 attended three separate vessels aground. Two on Gurnard Ledge and a third at Grantham Rocks. On each occasion, the crew checked everyone onboard, assessed for water ingress and checked steering. All three vessels were able to free themselves, with SR2 standing by until it was safe to return to patrol.

Friday saw the crew assisting a casualty with a dislocated shoulder. Working alongside Calshot Lifeboat, they helped provide analgesia and safely brought the casualty ashore, where they were handed over to the ambulance service.

The team then finished Cowes Week providing safety cover for the fireworks. Thankfully, it was an uneventful evening on the water, allowing the crew to enjoy the spectacular display too!

A busy few days and a great end to another Cowes Week. A huge thank you to our volunteers and all our partner agencies in keeping everyone on the water safe.

Charity No. 267039 | solent-rescue.org.uk

06/08/2026

The first half of this week has kept our volunteer crews busy across the Solent, with a mix of training and emergency callouts.

Monday provided a welcome opportunity for both SR01 and SR02 to focus on training, with no operational taskings.

Tuesday quickly made up for the quiet start. Both lifeboats responded to a vessel fire off Calshot after a Mayday was broadcast on VHF Channel 16. On arrival, the fire had been extinguished using the vessel's onboard equipment, but one casualty was suffering from suspected smoke inhalation. Working alongside a Cowes Week safety RIB, our crews provided casualty care, confirmed the fire was fully extinguished, isolated the vessel to prevent any further risk, and took the casualty vessel under tow to Port Hamble Marina. SR01 transported the casualty ashore, where they were handed into the care of the Ambulance Service. Hill Head Coastguard Rescue Team and Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service also attended to assess the vessel.

Later that evening, SR01 was tasked to reports of a dinghy in difficulty in Gurnard Bay with two people onboard. As the crew arrived in the area, Solent Coastguard confirmed the dinghy had already been recovered by a passing RIB and returned safely ashore, allowing SR01 to resume training.

Wednesday began with SR02 responding to a Mayday involving a sailor who had suffered a head injury aboard a Dragon class yacht. After locating the casualty aboard a support RIB, our crew transferred them onto SR02 and transported them to Trinity Landing, where they were met by the Ambulance Service and Coastguard Rescue Team.

Shortly afterwards, SR01 was tasked to a reported boat fire off Cowes. Fortunately, the occupants had already been recovered by the Police Boat before our arrival, allowing the crew to be stood down.

The day concluded with SR01 and SR02 assisting a yacht that had lost its rudder. SR01 held the position to sea whilst SR02 came alongside and towed the vessel into Cowes, with SR01 following and assisting with the berth.

Charity No. 267039 | solent-rescue.org.uk

Address

Lepe Country Park
Exbury
SO451AD

Website

http://www.solent-rescue.org.uk/

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