Whitby RNLI lifeboat

02/06/2026

01/06/2026

WATCH: Sunrises and seals for Whitby RNLI on one of many call outs in the last few days.

As the weather heated up over half term, Whitby RNLI crew have been busy with multiple launches of their inshore lifeboat.

On Friday the crew were paged twice over night, once to a jet ski and again in the early hours of the morning to assist with a search for a missing person.

Thankfully the lifeboat was stood down on both occasions with the people found safe and well.

The crew were paged again on Saturday and launched the inshore lifeboat to reports of a child shouting in the sea.

RNLI Lifeguards on the scene responded quickly and recovered the casualty to the beach so the lifeboat returned to station.

They were then tasked today (Monday 1 June) to a couple and dog cut off by the tide at Saltwick Bay.

A member of the public had reported the incident from the West Pier.

Whitby Coastguard were already on the scene and had managed to recover the casualties, so the inshore lifeboat was again stood down and returned to station.

Helm on the inshore lifeboat, Leah Hunter said: ’Though a busy few days for our volunteers, launching the inshore lifeboat on multiple occasions, we were very grateful to the public, Lifeguards and Coastguard teams whose prompt actions meant we were stood down before the casualties got into serious difficulties.

At this time of year we see an increase in call outs with more people in and around the water.

A few key things to remember while enjoying your time at the coast are:

- Always check the tide times.

- Carry a means of calling for help.

- Always check your equipment and the conditions before going out on the water.

- If you enter the water unexpectedly, remember FLOAT TO LOVE, lay on your back and try to relax.

- If you see someone in trouble on the coast dial 999 and ask for the coastguard.

01/06/2026

Our auction ended at midnight last night and all participants have been notified of the outcome. Congratulations to our winner! We hope you have an amazing time. Thank you to everyone who entered a bid. Your support is greatly appreciated

29/05/2026

Meet Bob, our new “man over board” dummy. Bob replaces Fred who has now retired due to injuries sustained during his unplanned swim down to Scarborough 🤦🏼‍♀️ A significant donation made in memory of dedicated Whitby Lifeboat shop volunteer, Barrie Lazenby, funded the purchase of this critical piece of training equipment. Sincere thanks to Barrie’s family, Mrs Barbara Lazenby, Sarah Hogbin, Daniel Hogbin & Ryan Lazenby for their kind support and generosity.

28/05/2026

22/05/2026

We are expecting some lovely weather along the coast this Bank Holiday weekend.

If you find yourself unexpectedly in the water:

Float to Live:

- Tilt your head back with your ears submerged
- Relax and try to control your breathing
- Move your hands and legs gently to help you stay afloat
- Once your breathing is under control, call for help or swim to safety if you can

Cold water shock can affect anyone, no matter how strong a swimmer you are.

20/05/2026

Whitby Rowing clubs join forces with RNLI for capsize exercise.

Whitby Fisherman's and Whitby Friendship Amatuer Rowing clubs invited their younger members down for a hands-on exercise in the water.

With racing season beginning at the end of this month, the RNLI got on board to prepare the youngesters for what could happen should they capsize.

Coxswain Richard Dowson said: 'We had a debrief at the station with both clubs and explained about cold water shock. This is when you enter the water unexpectedly and the body goes into shock which can affect your breathing and lead to someone getting into serious difficulties.

We talked to the rowers about Float To Live which is the RNLI's advice for anyone who enters the water unexpecdely. The advice is to lay on your back with your arms out, and try to relax which will slow the breathing.

We then put these skills to the test by taking them into the water with our volunteers and submerging the boats.

The kids were fantastic, there were a few screams as the cold water flooded in but they all took it in their stride and did really well.'

Lindsay Close captain of the fisherman's team said: "It is really great to see the two clubs, who compete at sea, coming together for this session'

In a coastal emergency dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard

20/05/2026

A brilliant night tonight with the rowing clubs 🚣

19/05/2026

You may have noticed our flag flying at half mast this week. Sadly a long-serving friend of Whitby Lifeboat, Dave Welham has passed away.

Dave volunteered in many ways with the station, driving crew around the country when boats were on passage/collecting relief boats. He and his wife were dedicated fundraisers as well as attending many fundraising events and collecting charity boxes around town.

The crew pass on their condolences to Dave's family and friends.

19/05/2026

**Float To Live** Please, the next time you and your family are in safe, supervised water, “find your float” by lying on your backs in the shape of a starfish, ears under the water, making gentle arm motions. It works and a practise now could save a life in the future ⭐ 🛟 👍 RNLI

Surfer Euan Gray used the RNLI's Float To Live technique to survive after being caught in a rip current at Longsands beach