RNLI Whitstable Lifeboat Station

09/06/2026

⏳ The countdown is on!

Our RNLI Charity Quiz Night is almost here. Gather your team, test your knowledge, and help raise funds for the RNLI.

📅 Saturday 20 June
🕖 7:00 PM

🎉 Prizes • Raffle • Great Night Out

🎟️ £10 per person

Get your tickets now at www.ticketsource.co.uk/south-quay-shed

🌊🚤❤️

08/06/2026

There were two calls on the Whitstable lifeboat over the weekend.
On Saturday evening the lifeboat was launched at 08.28pm after concerns were raised over two persons in the water at Hampton.
However whilst heading to the scene the Herne Bay Coastguard Rescue Team reported that the persons were out of the water and subsequently that there had only been one person in the sea. The lifeboat therefore was stood down to return to station.
Conditions at the time were West South Westerly force 5-6 winds.
The lifeboat was launched for the second call of the weekend at 6.53pm on Sunday to assist a kite surfer reported to be in difficulty 1.5miles off Herne Bay.The coastguard team reported that they had the casualty visual and that he was still sailing.
The lifeboat arrived at the scene and located the kite surfer, a male in his 20’s and confirmed he was not in any difficulties but would accept a lift ashore as he was finding it difficult to make progress upwind. - the lifeboat therefore landed him ashore.
This was the 20th call of the year for the volunteer crews at Whitstable RNLI.

08/06/2026

🚤MEET THE CREW🚤

Next up is Richard, one of our Trainee boat crew

Time as volunteer: 17 Months
Occupation: Drug Development
Most memorable RNLI moment: Jumping of the high platform during the Crew emergency procedures course
at the RNLI College
Why I joined the RNLI: I have always admired what the RNLI do, and finally had the time and opportunity to join.

05/06/2026

Join us for our RNLI charity quiz night on Saturday June 20th at the South Quay Shed in Whitstable harbour. Book using the link below to secure your table, max 6 per team and the venue is dog friendly. There are great prizes to be won and an amazing raffle on the night.
https://www.ticketsource.com/whats-on/whitstable-harbour/south-quay-shed-whitstable/rnli-charity-quiz-night/2026-06-20/19:00/t-jxxngnk

02/06/2026

It has been a busy week at Whitstable RNLI with the station’s B-Class lifeboat Lewisco and crews responding to 7 calls, launching for 5 afloat exercises and volunteers taking part in 5 shore based training sessions.
On Bank Holiday Monday the lifeboat was launched at 7.33pm following a report of 3 paddle boarders in difficulty off Tankerton and on arrival at the scene one paddle boarder was found to be in the water. However, all confirmed they were not in need of assistance and the lifeboat was released to return to station.
Thursday evening saw Lewisco launched to investigate 2 craft and 4 persons in the vicinity of the old Herne Bay pier head and appeared to be drifting westwards. The crew located both craft and their occupants were transferred to the lifeboat and landed ashore to the care of the coastguard team.
Late on Friday evening the lifeboat was launched twice to assist emergency services with persons reported as ‘in the water’ at Swalecliffe but was stood down when it was confirmed casualties were ashore.
During Saturday afternoon Lewisco was launched to assist a Wanderer class dinghy with a torn sail in The Swale which was unable to make way upwind. A further Wanderer that had been towing the dinghy also had problems making headway and the pair of craft were taken under tow back to Whitstable.
Having returned the two craft to the shore the lifeboat was further tasked to assist a yacht with 3 persons onboard needing assistance off Sheerness. The Sheerness D-Class lifeboat was also proceeding to help and put a crewmember on the yacht who assisted in taking the vessel to a mooring buoy. Two of the persons onboard the yacht were unwilling to continue with the journey so were taken off by the Whitstable lifeboat. The yacht skipper confirmed he would continue the following day on his own to Gillingham Marina.

01/06/2026

Whitstable RNLI station is home to a busy and successful RNLI shop which is looking for additional volunteers to raise funds that help save lives at sea.
If you have enthusiasm, good communication skills, the ability to contribute as part of a team, are confident handling money.
and comfortable in a customer service environment this could be the role for you!
To find out more click below:
https://volunteer.rnli.org/opportunities/106836-shop-volunteer-whitstable-2026-02-02?

You will help save lives at sea by generating vital funds as well as promoting the work of the RNLI to customers and raising awareness of key safety messages.

31/05/2026

🚤 MEET THE CREW 🚤

First up in our new series is Steve, one of our ILB Navigators.

Time as volunteer: 4 years
Occupation: Housing Association Executive Director
Most memorable RNLI moment: “14th January 2024 — my first life saved on the boat.”
Why I joined: “I ran out of other excuses for not doing that long list of DIY jobs!"

Steve is part of the volunteer crew helping keep people safe at sea, ready to answer the call whenever needed.

Thank you, Steve, for everything you do. 💙

29/05/2026

Rucksack containing wet clothes found at Whitstable RNLI shop - pop in to claim if its yours!

28/05/2026

Whitstable Yacht Club held its annual RNLI pursuit race last Monday with a total of 44 boats taking part in hot and sunny conditions and the lifeboat in attendance. The race was won by Rick and Sarah Perkins and raised £260 for Whitstable RNLI. Many thanks to our friends at Whitstable Yacht Club
With thanks to ImageDrum for pictures.