Hemsby Lifeboat

05/03/2026

A Celebration of the life of Maurice Watts.

Further to our recent post, we shared the news of the passing of our retired Chairman, Maurice.

Maurice gave so much to the Hemsby Lifeboat, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew him. The lifeboat has been informed by Maurice’s family that there will be a Celebration of his Life held on:

Saturday 21st March
From 13:30
The Bell Public House, Hemsby

The Bell is a particularly meaningful place for us all — it was here, fifty years ago, that the Hemsby Lifeboat was formed.

There is an open invitation to everyone who knew Maurice, and to all supporters and followers of the lifeboat, to join us on the 21st to celebrate his life and to share the many stories — funny, inspirational, and everything in between — that capture the man Maurice was.

There will also be a book of condolences available for guests to add their thoughts and memories.

We hope you can join us to give Maurice the fine farewell he deserves.

28/02/2026

Are you looking for a new challenge and at the same time volunteer to help your local Lifeboat?

24/02/2026

HEMSBY LIFEBOAT – TRIBUTE TO MAURICE WATTS

It is with deep sadness that we share the news that our recently retired Chairman, Maurice Watts, passed away yesterday. Maurice’s loss will be felt profoundly by his family, friends, and across the entire extended lifeboat family.

This year marks 50 years since Hemsby Lifeboat began, and it is impossible to tell the story of those years without speaking Maurice’s name with pride and gratitude.

Today, we want to pay tribute to Maurice from three voices: our Coxswain, our Chairman, and all our crew and volunteers.

From Daniel, Coxswain

“The day you never expect to come.”

Maurice, you have been a true friend—and a legend. I always looked up to you as a leader. I will never forget you: the smoke, the laughter, and the lovely words you always had for people.

The news has brought tears to my eyes, but I know you are no longer in pain. Thank you for taking me under your wing—showing me the ropes, the fish preparation, and for teaching me so much. I learned more from you than you’ll ever know.

My thoughts are with Sam, Kevin and Molly on this heartbreaking day. I know how much Maurice loved you all.

From the Chairman, Hemsby Independent Lifeboat.

While we all knew this day would come, it does not make it any easier to bear.

We have lost a founder, a friend, a font of knowledge and experience, and without doubt, an entertainer of note throughout the extended lifeboat family.

Maurice was a true gentleman who spent most of his life serving others, through his long career as a firefighter and as a lifeboatman for more than 50 years. But words cannot fully convey the character of the man. He spoke his mind plainly and often, but he was also a gentle soul who never stopped giving.

When I first joined the service 13 years ago, he treated me as a friend. Later, he became my trusted guide as I rose through the ranks from crew to helm to trustee, and eventually took over his role as Chair. Make no mistake: failing health and retirement did nothing to dilute his passion and loyalty to the boat and its crew.

In life, as we plough our own path, we meet those who are born to guide and born to inspire. Maurice was one of the good ones, and despite this devastating loss, he will remain my guide.

Thank you, Maurice, for everything: for your service, your guidance, your sage advice, and the many laughs along the way. We will ensure your name and reputation live on in the future of the Hemsby Lifeboat Service.

So while the entire crew says our final farewell, we cannot be sad, only because yours was a life well lived and has set an example for us all.

Rest easy, Maurice. Your job is complete. Your students—armed with your wisdom and support—will continue in your name.

From all the Crew and Volunteers

Maurice was part of the very foundations of Hemsby Lifeboat and part of the heart of our station for decades. His dedication, knowledge, humour, and unwavering loyalty helped shape generations of crew and volunteers.

We will miss him more than we can say—but we will carry him with us in the work we do, the standards we keep, and the way we look after one another. We send our heartfelt condolences to the Family and Friends of our dear friend.

Thank you, Maurice.
Rest in peace.

23/02/2026

A Piece of Hemsby History… and a Reminder of the Sea’s Hidden Dangers...

Over the past few days, many of you will have noticed an old wreck uncovered on the beach at Hemsby. It quickly sparked widespread local interest — and for good reason.

Our Coxswain took a close look and, even at first glance, it was clear this wasn’t anything modern. The construction suggested real age, including the use of wooden retaining pegs rather than metal fixings — a fascinating glimpse into how vessels were built long before today’s methods.

But as intriguing as it was, the wreck also presented a very real safety concern.

At low tide, parts of the wreck were exposed and could easily injure anyone walking nearby.

At high tide, it became a submerged obstruction, posing a hazard that wouldn’t be visible from the surface.

With public safety in mind, it was decided to move the wreck to a safer location.

Now that it’s been relocated, the story doesn’t end there. Work will continue to see whether the wreck can be identified and whether more of its history can be uncovered. We’ll share updates as we learn more.

In the meantime, this is a good reminder that our coastline is always changing, and what’s hidden beneath the sand (or the water) can be just as dangerous as it is interesting.

Please continue to take care around the shoreline, especially during changing tides, and thank you for your support.

20/02/2026

The Lifeboat Shop is open this weekend!
Saturday & Sunday | 10:00–14:00

Come and browse our latest stock and pick up a bargain with our competitive prices. Every purchase helps support the lifeboat charity.

Pop in and say hello—we’d love to see you!

11/02/2026

PAGED 📟 !!

Humber Coastguard paged Hemsby Broads Rescue at 00:20 on the 11th February to assist coastguards with a transfer of an injured female at South Walsham Broad.

Coastguard teams had spent several hours trying to move an injured casualty with a knee injury in challenging conditions due to river bank walkways being bogged down in the recent wet weather.

Humber and local coastguards requested the assistance from Hemsby Broads Rescue to assist coastguard and paramedics to transfer the casualty safely from the bankside to a safe mooring at South Walsham where the casualty was transferred to a waiting ambulance.

The team returned to station to clean down a particularly muddy boat ready for the next tasking with crew returning home around
03.30a m.

Another multi agency tasking completed safely along side coastguard and paramedics.

10/02/2026

PAGED 📟 !!

Humber Coastguard paged Hemsby Rescue at 22:20 Monday 8th February to reports of a missing person after Norfolk Constabulary had initiated a search and quickly turned into a female being stranded and cut off by the incoming tide at Hemsby/ Winterton beach.

With a what3words plotted a rapid dispatch of crew was organised to scan the beach with torches to try and pinpoint the location of the casualty, while this was actioned the remainder of crew readied the Talus and ILB and proceeded to the shoreline to assess if location given by what3words was accessible by boat.

While doing the shoreline torch search the crew spotted a person standing waist high in water it was dynamically agreed the fastest response and best access was via the Talus launch vehicle so with an additional crewman onboard the rescue was actioned and the casualty was rapidly secured and kept warm while she was brought ashore and back to the lifeboat station.

Once back at station coastguards, ambulance, police and a parent of casualty continued the aftercare of the casualty until she was taken to James paget for further checks.

Hemsby rescue cleaned down assets and refuelled, rehoused ready for next callout.
Thanks to all other services involved as another multi agency rescue was completed very successfully.

Big thanks to all our own crew who was able to make this another swift and calm rescue.

Mental health problems affect around one in four people every year.
When mental health struggles are misunderstood it can lead to social isolation and vulnerability.
Speaking with friends, family, or support groups can break the cycle.

11/01/2026

Huge thank you to the Club House Ferry Marina Horning and your customers, and local business support from Wroxham launch hire and Bass Online, and of course Gus for dressing up as Father Christmas To raise £316.83 over the festive period.

06/01/2026

Winter sea swimming: stay safe this winter (please read)

Following recent tragic incidents in the UK, we want to share clear, practical advice for anyone considering swimming or dipping in the sea during winter.

Why is winter sea swimming a higher risk

Cold water can overwhelm you very quickly. The biggest danger at the start is cold water shock – your breathing can speed up, and you can panic in the first minute. This can happen even to strong swimmers.

If you get into trouble: Float to Live

If you feel in difficulty, don’t fight the water straight away.

Lean back and keep your face out of the water

Relax your body as much as you can

Spread your arms and legs (like a starfish)

Focus on slow, steady breathing.

When you feel calmer, signal for help and move only if it’s safe
This simple step can buy you time and help you regain control of your breathing. Before you go in (the safest choices)

Don’t swim alone – go with others

Tell someone where you’re going and when you’ll be back

Check the conditions (tide, wind, waves). Winter conditions can change fast

Choose a safe entry and exit point – getting out can be harder than getting in

Wear something bright (a bright swim cap helps you be seen)

Consider a tow float for visibility (it can help you be seen, but it isn’t a guarantee of safety)

Avoid alcohol before swimming

Keep it short – cold affects strength and coordination faster than most people expect

Rip currents: what to do

If you’re being pulled away from the shore:

Don’t try to swim straight back against it. Float to Live, stay calm, and raise an arm to signal

If you can swim, go parallel to the shore to get out of the current, then head in. If you see someone in trouble

Call 999 and ask for the Coastguard. Please don’t enter the water to try to rescue them.

Use Reach or Throw: reach with something long, or throw something that floats

Please share

This information could save a life. If in doubt, stay out.

Hemsby Lifeboat – thank you for helping us keep our community safe.

31/12/2025

New Year’s Day plans? Add a quick charity shop stop.
We’re opening the Hemsby Lifeboat charity shop on New Year’s Day (1st Jan) from 10:00–14:30.

If you’re out for a walk, visiting the beach, or just passing through, come in for a browse, meet the volunteers, and maybe treat yourself to something small — every purchase helps support the lifeboat.

Card transactions only on this occasion.
Thank you, and Happy New Year!

29/12/2025

22/12/2025

Last night, Hemsby Broads Rescue was tasked by Humber Coastguard to assist a man and his dog who had become stranded on the River Waveney near Beccles after an unexpected mechanical failure.

Also tasked were Coastguard Rescue Teams from Lowestoft and Gorleston.

Our crew had just made a guest appearance with Santa at The Bell Public House Christmas Carol Service when the request for assistance came in. The team quickly prepared the boat and made their way to the River Waveney.

Following a smooth launch, the crew located the casualty vessel with assistance from the Coastguard team on scene. Two members of the crew boarded the vessel to ensure the man and his dog were safe and well before preparing the vessel for towing. The remaining crew on the Broads Rescue boat made ready, and the vessel was towed safely to a secure mooring at the Coastguard RV point.

Once ashore and handed over to the Coastguard team, the Hemsby crew were stood down and returned to base—ready to prepare for the next call to action.

Our thanks to everyone involved and to our colleagues in the Coastguard teams for another successful, well-executed joint rescue.

Hemsby Broads Rescue / Hemsby Lifeboat is a fully independent lifesaving service and not part of the RNLI. We’re proud to work alongside the Coastguard and other emergency services whenever we’re tasked.

Now it’s back to the last-minute preparations for the Christmas break—and to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a safe and peaceful festive period from all the crew and volunteers at Hemsby Lifeboat.