RNLI Margate lifeboat

22/06/2026

🚨CALL OUT🚨

The D class inshore lifeboat was launched at around 5.30pm today (Monday 22 June) after HM Coastguard took a call from a member of the public reporting two people cut off by the tide at Kingsgate Bay, Broadstairs.

Margate and Deal Coastguard Rescue Teams were also tasked and along with the lifeboat searched the coastline between Botany Bay and Joss Bay but were unable to locate anyone appearing to be cut off. Two people were observed behind the chalk stack at Kingsgate and RNLI lifeguards made contact with them confirming they were not cut off nor in any danger. After a thorough search the rescue units were stood down and returned to station, the call considered a false alarm with good intent.

Emma Macfarlane, Launch Authority, Margate RNLI said: “We thank the first informant for calling this in, if anyone sees people who may be cut off by the tide we urge them to dial 999 and ask for the coastguard. Similarly anyone walking around our coastline should take heed of the tidal conditions and where possible seek advice from RNLI lifeguards in the area.”

LPO note! This was Emma's first call as a Launch Authority, congratulations Emma!!

21/06/2026

🚨CALL OUT🚨
The D class inshore lifeboat was tasked around 6pm last night (Saturday 20 June) after RNLI lifeguards raised concern with HM Coastguard about an apparently empty fishing vessel off Margate Main Sands, just outside of the harbour.

It was established that the occupant was safe ashore and shortly afterwards returned to their vessel. Before returning to station the lifeboat provided safety advice to paddleboarders and swimmers off the end of the harbour arm.

A genuine false alarm with good intent spotted by the eagle-eyes of the RNLI lifeguards! In coastal emergencies dial 999 and ask for the coastguard.

21/06/2026

☀️

It may be tempting to cool off in or near the water during a heatwave, but please take extra care when doing so ☀️

Swim at a lifeguarded beach where possible 🏖️

Take notice of the beach flags and safety signs 🚩

Stay within your limits when in the water 🌊

Never enter the water after drinking alcohol ❌

If you get into trouble, Float to Live 🛟

In an emergency at the coast, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

20/06/2026

One of our own, Stuart Cattell, trains our local lifeguards on the very beaches he started out on as a 13 year old!

He is also a volunteer crew member at Margate Lifeboat Station, and like many others, is pushing to help Margate’s lifeboat appeal to fund our brand new lifeboat station.

Read about him in the latest edition of Isle Magazine!

From pedal boats on Margate Main Sands at just 13 years old to working on major events, film productions and water safety operations, Stuart Cattell has built a career around the sea.

A lifelong local, Stuart’s journey has taken him from surf schools and beach lifeguarding to serving on the volunteer crew at Margate Lifeboat Station and running his own business, First on the Scene UK, providing event medical cover, water safety services and first aid training.

Today, he continues to train the next generation of lifeguards on the very beaches where his own story began.

You can read more about Stuart’s remarkable journey in the latest edition of Isle Magazine.

Stuart is also supporting the appeal for Margate’s new RNLI lifeboat station. If you’d like to help secure the future of this vital lifesaving service, please consider donating.

http://RNLI.org/MargateAppeal

18/06/2026

It’s going to be a warm one this weekend. If you are visiting the coast, follow the advice below.

If you, or someone else is in trouble,
🚨CALL 999 and ASK FOR THE COASTGUARD 🚨

Remember these key points. Float to Live could save your life.

Remember:
- Tilt your head back with ears submerged
- Relax and try to control your breathing
- Use your hands to help you stay afloat
- It's okay if your legs sink, we all float differently

Practice these steps at a supervised location, like a swimming pool or lifeguarded beach so you know what to do in an emergency.

15/06/2026

🚨CALL OUT🚨

Margate RNLI volunteers have provided sea-borne support following a multi-agency response to an incident where a walker suffered a suspected serious knee injury following a fall on a tidal pool wall in Margate.

👇Details can be seen by following the link in the comments below.

06/06/2026

Greg Nocentini one of our crewmembers has reached the next stage of his lifeboating journey after being passed out as a D class helm by Sophie Braund, RNLI Coastal Trainer/Assessor.

The assessment, carried out afloat off Margate followed courses and training both locally and at the RNLI College at Poole including mastering skills in leadership, incident handling, boat handling and navigation.

Just 24 hours later he helmed his first service call, a gentle start - a short run afloat following a false alarm with good intent!

Greg is also the station's Social Media Officer handling that side of our engagement with the public although of course he didn't write this one up😃 Well done Greg.

Photo: Greg and Sophie following the assessment (RNLI Margate)

03/06/2026

With both RNLI Ramsgate Lifeboat and ourselves playing a pivotal role in recovering pilots, mariners and more during World War 2, the Dunkirk Evacuations were especially poignant.

Both Margate and Ramsgate lifeboats were the only RNLI lifeboats that went over to Dunkirk to save our troops from the advancing German army, crewed wholly by its own RNLI Volunteers.

Overall, approx 340,000 soldiers were rescued during the Dunkirk evacuations.

Read more on the RNLI’s post here!

01/06/2026

Happy Volunteer Week!

Margate, and the other 237 lifeboat stations are crewed by volunteers, ready to respond to anyone’s need for help, any time, any place.

01/06/2026

🚨CALL OUT🚨
A report of two youths drifting seawards on one paddleboard off Margate has prompted a swift response by Margate RNLI volunteers. For full details and important sea safety advice follow the link in the comments below.