Felixstowe Lifeboat

17/06/2026

Someone in trouble in the water? 🌊
Your instinct might be to jump in, but that puts you at serious risk too. Instead, keep yourself safe and remember Phone, Float, Throw:
📱 PHONE 999 and ask for the Coastguard if along our coastline or rivers (or Fire Service if inland).
📣 FLOAT Tell the person to stay calm, tilt their head back, and float on their back.
THROW Throw them a life ring, throwline, or anything that floats to keep them afloat.

A quick action and conversation could save a life.
Share this advice to keep your friends and family safe!

15/06/2026

🚨 Tasking - Sunday 14th June 🚨

Just after completing a training exercise at 1855hrs, our volunteer lifeboat crew received an immediate launch request from HM Coastguard.
A yacht was reported to be taking on water and drifting towards Dovercourt Bay, Harwich and a busy shipping lane.

Our crew quickly located the vessel near Landguard Point and found that the outbound engine mount had broken away, leaving a significant hole just above the waterline. Passing waves and wash were causing water to enter the yacht, creating a potentially dangerous situation.

After checking the welfare of the sole crew member on board, we safely towed the vessel to Suffolk Yacht Harbour, where the Felixstowe Coastguard Rescue Team was on hand to provide assistance.

As an independent lifeboat, we rely entirely on the generosity of yourselves, our followers and supporters.
Every launch, every training exercise, and piece of lifesaving equipment is funded through donations from our local community and beyond.
If you'd like to support our work, please consider making a donation at:
🌐 www.FelixstoweLifeboat.org.uk
We would also love to hear from you if you can help by hosting a fundraising event in aid of Felixstowe Lifeboat - whether its a coffee morning, quiz night, sponsored challenge, or workplace fundraiser, every pound raised help keep our crew and lifeboat rescue ready.

Thank you for your continued support 🧡

15/06/2026

🌊 It's Drowning Prevention Week! Led by the Royal Life Saving Society UK, this important campaign spreads vital water safety messages that could save lives.

Whether you're a regular at the beach or enjoy our stunning rivers, always remember: the water can be deceptively cold, deep, and dangerous!

🏊‍♂️ If you find yourself struggling in the water:
- Float on your back
- Tilt your head back, keeping your ears submerged
- Breathe slowly and stay calm
- Use gentle hand movements to stay afloat
- Call for help or swim to safety when you can

🆘 If you spot someone in trouble:
- Don’t enter the water
- Call 999 and ask for the Coastguard 🚨
- Throw them something that floats and encourage them to stay afloat

A few simple actions can make a difference!

For more information can be found online http://www.rlss.org.uk

14/06/2026

⚓ SEA SHANTY NIGHT IS BACK ⚓

🎶 Live sea shanties from Hoy Boy, ShantyFolk - Suffolk and The Smugglers of Alnesbourne
🍻 Licensed bar
🎁 Amazing raffle prizes
🚗 Free parking after 6pm

📍Landguard Fort, Felixstowe IP11 3TW
📅 22nd August 2026
⏰ Doors open at 6:00 p.m.

🎟️ Book now: http://www.FelixstoweShanty.co.uk

Tag your crew and join us for a night to remember! 🌊 🎵

09/06/2026

🚨 A crucial reminder: When in doubt, make the right call!
📞 Call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

On Sunday 7th June at approx 16:30, our dedicated crew and lifeboat was on the water conducting training when they were immediately tasked by HM Coastguard to reports of a paddle boarder in distress near the River Deben entrance.

Upon our arrival, with Felixstowe Coastguard Rescue Team positioned on land, and NCI Felixstowe observing using their local cameras, we found the experienced paddle boarder onshore at Bawdsey Cliffs. Thankfully they were wearing a suitable wetsuit and buoyancy aid, and confirmed they were not in any difficulty.

If you ever see anything you are unsure of along our coast or rivers, it’s always worth reporting, and certainly never worth ignoring! Don’t hesitate, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
Your awareness can truly save lives! 🚤 🌊

07/06/2026

Yesterday, Saturday 6th June at 16:22, our volunteer crew were tasked by HM Coastguard to assist a yacht in difficulties in Harwich Harbour.

The vessel, which had sailed from the Netherlands, had issued a Pan-Pan call requesting urgent assistance. Due to challenging weather conditions, the decision was made to es**rt the vessel safely into the River Orwell before taking it under tow to Woolverstone Marina.

A huge thank you to the Holbrook Coastguard Rescue Team for their support at Woolverstone Marina. Thank you also to the yachts crew for permitting us to share a photo from the tasking, we wish them a safe onward journey 👀 👉

🧡 Keeping our community informed
We regularly share details of our launches and tasking's to provide an insight into the work carried out by our volunteer crews and the wide range of incidents we attend. However, some calls involve sensitive or personal circumstances and, out of respect for those involved, details may not always be published or may be shared at a later date.

04/06/2026

One week on from the Suffolk Show, we’re still reflecting on what a fantastic two days it was! 🎉🦈🐙

Our volunteers loved meeting so many people, sharing stories about Felixstowe Lifeboat, and showcasing the vital work we do in our community.

Thanks to your incredible generosity, we raised over £240 during the show. Every donation helps support our service, and we’re truly grateful for your support. 🧡

If you’d like to make a one-off donation or become a regular supporter, visit:
www.FelixstoweLifeboat.org.uk/donate

02/06/2026

25/05/2026

Yesterday, 24th May, our independent lifeboat crew was tasked by HM Coastguard to respond to an incident in the Harwich Harbour area.

Arriving first on scene and later joined by lifeboats from RNLI Harwich Lifeboat Station, with land based support from Felixstowe Coastguard Rescue Team, Holbrook Coastguard Rescue Team and Walton Coastguard Rescue Team, along with a Coastguard Rescue Helicopter, an extensive search operation was launched for an individual reported overboard from a nearby vessel.

The coordinated search, led by HM Coastguard at the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre, continued for approximately seven hours with all teams working tirelessly in difficult circumstances.
Following a determined and extensive effort by everyone involved, all assets were stood down by HM Coastguard shortly after 9pm.

We rely on support to keep our lifeboat operational and ready to respond when needed. If you'd like to support our work, please visit our website to donate or find out more, or message us directly through our social media channels.

http://www.FelixstoweLifeboat.org.uk

25/05/2026

🌟 Join us at the Suffolk Show 2026!

Don't forget to stop by and see us in the Emergency Services Area on 27th and 28th May!
Meet our amazing volunteer crew, discover the crucial work we do, and find out how YOU can get involved!

And don’t miss your chance to say hi to our friendly shark! 🦈

We’re excited to see you at Trinity Park!