RNLI Calshot Lifeboat

22/10/2026

We are looking for an additional Lifeboat Press Officer to join our team here at Calshot RNLI and support our current LPO. Could this be you?

The RNLI have over 300 volunteer Lifeboat Press Officers around the UK and Ireland, who work tirelessly to support our lifesaving work by reporting on rescues, crew training, water safety, station visits, celebrating our volunteers, promoting fundraisers/supporters and so much more.
As part of the role, you'll also maintain our social media channels, like this one, to keep everyone up to date with what's going on and promote everything RNLI.

If you're interested in this opportunity, take a look at the link below to find out more.

The RNLI’s Lifeboat Station in Calshot is looking for a volunteer to join the existing team in the role of Lifeboat Press Officer.

21/10/2026

Well, it looks like Autumn has finally arrived!
High winds aplenty have been forecast along the south coast over the next few days and into the weekend, with winds reaching Gale Force 9 at times and sea states forecasting anything from moderate, through to rough and very rough.

So if I were you, it's probably best to get that woolly jumper on, light the fire and hunker down and stay in the warm and dry!...but if you do have to venture out, say to walk the dog, or you're out on the water for any reason, please do take care, read the local forecasts in advance, and always take a form of communication with you, like a mobile phone or VHF radio.

☎ If you ever find yourself in trouble at sea, or see someone that is, always call 999 and ask for the Coastguard - or use VHF channel 16 if afloat. ☎

13/10/2026

BBC Saving Lives At Sea this week will once again feature our crew as they assist a vessel in challenging conditions.
Don't forget to tune in!

08/10/2026

There was a strong Northerly wind yesterday evening across the Solent, with forecasts of F5-7, gusting 8 at certain points overnight! However, that didn't stop our volunteer crew from heading out on exercise with our very capable D Class ILB.

The video below shows the ILB being recovered onto it's trailer post exercise, in what wasn't the easiest of conditions. Practice makes perfect as they say!

07/10/2026

Watch our crew in action at 8pm tonight on BBC2 or iPlayer

04/10/2026

We're very grateful here at Calshot RNLI that when you look out the window from the crew room, or out on the balcony surrounding the station, there is always something going on out in the Solent. From regular crossings of the IOW ferry, to vast container ships in and out of the Port of Southampton, or just sailing boats enjoying a day out on the water, the Solent never disappoints.

And today was no exception. We're used to large cargo vessels going past, or towering cruise ships, but today was something else - certainly a double take moment!

These huge container cranes were on their way up Southampton Water where they'll be installed on the quayside at DP World. Certainly a sight you don't see everyday!

01/10/2026

All of us here at Calshot Lifeboat station are deeply saddened to hear of the death of a crew member at Hastings RNLI last night.

We extend our deepest condolences to everyone affected; family, friends and fellow crew.

Our thoughts are with all the Hastings RNLI crew at this time and our flag will be flying at half mast as a sign of respect.

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23/09/2026

Ever wonder what the crew do in the photo below?
Do you live or work within the local areas of Calshot, Holbury or Fawley?
Would you be ready to respond 24/7 to help those in need?

If the answer is yes to the above, then read on!

We are looking for volunteer Shore Crew to join the team here at Calshot, to assist with the safe and efficient launching and recovery of our two Inshore Lifeboats.

By joining our shore crew, you’ll play an active part in keeping our lifeboats ready for service, in the best condition and safe to launch 24/7, in all weathers.
There are also opportunities to further develop your skills ashore, such as Head Launcher and Launch Vehicle Driver in time, should you wish.

To find out more and for details on how to apply, follow the link in comments.

15/09/2026

Hot off the heels of it's recent arrival to station, the ToolTrak was straight into its first service call, launching our D Class ILB 'David Radcliffe' to a shout just off Fawley, where a vessel was dragging its anchor.

It was the first shout for the ToolTrak but more importantly, this was also the first afloat shout for trainee crewmember Alex too.

Although only a relatively recent volunteer on station, Alex is certainly no stranger to RNLI Calshot - his mum is one of our trainee helms and his dad is one of our volunteer Launch Authorities, both of whom are very proud of his first shout milestone - as are all on station!

We wish Alex all the best as he continues his volunteering journey. Look at how far he's come!

12/09/2026

We’ve had some exciting changes happen at the station recently…

After serving many loyal years at RNLI Calshot, being delivered in 2008 brand new with only 3 engine hours, our beloved D Class launching tractor TC31 has recently been swapped out for a brand new, shiny piece of kit - the ToolTrak TT17 !

This new launch vehicle is better equipped to handle the wear and tear of the shingle bank on our launch site, as well as being able to handle launching further into the water, ideal for those high spring tides.

With a new launch vehicle also comes all the revalidations and familiarisation too for our shore crew and LVD’s, which I think is fair to say, they’ve all thoroughly enjoyed!

Welcome to the team, TT17 😊