Freshwater Independent Lifeboat

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Freshwater Independent Lifeboat

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Freshwater Independent Lifeboat operates 2 boats 24/7 in an area up to 10M off shore from Hurst Point to St Cathrines.
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Mission
Freshwater Independent Lifeboat operates 2 boats 24/7 in an area up to 30M off shore from Hurst Point to St Catherine’s point on the Isle of Wight. Entirely independent we rely on donations and fundraising by our volunteers to run this service. Our crews are all volunteers who give their time willingly to save lives at sea and undertake the training to do this. We are always pleased to meet new volunteers at the boathouse on Wednesday evenings and Sunday mornings. Description
Freshwater LIfeboat is an independent resue organisation. We are not affiliated to the RNLI and have to raise all our funds ourselves. The service started life in 1972 when the council decided that there should be better rescue provision around our beaches. The unit is staffed entirely by volunteers - from the crew to the shop.

25/10/2026

22/10/2026

With the next 2 days bringing 2 named storms
Austen and Boelo
Please remember to take care around the coast and inland as storms like these can cause significant risk of flooding, cliff falls and strong waves.

Remember in an emergency call 📞 999 and ask for the Coastguard for coastal emergencies and Fire for Inland

20/10/2026

Yesterdays Shout 📟🌊🛟⚓️

BREAKING: A search and rescue operation is underway amid fears that an aircraft has crashed into the sea.

17/10/2026

Did you support our Buy a Brick campaign? 🧱

The Brick display is complete in our new shop which js open between now and Sunday 1st November 2026 between 10.30am-16.30pm.

Pop in and take a look 🌊🛟

Thankyou for the support.

15/10/2026

We’re pleased to say that our lifeboat shop is finally reopening!

Following the rebuild and extension of Freshwater Independent Lifeboat Station, we’ll be opening our doors again on Saturday 17 October, from 10:30am to 4:30pm.

We’ll be back right through until Sunday 1 November, with all your usual favourites, including gifts, souvenirs, lifeboat merchandise and hot and cold drinks.

It’s been a while since we’ve been able to welcome everyone in, so we’re looking forward to seeing some familiar faces and hopefully a few new ones too!

Pop in, have a browse and a cuppa, and help support your local independent lifeboat.

05/10/2026

⚓ An evening of Songs of the Sea in support of Freshwater Independent Lifeboat! We’re delighted to be one of the chosen charities benefiting from this fantastic evening with East Cowes Shanty and The Bay Wailers at Freshwater Memorial Hall on 24th October, from 7pm. Expect plenty of sea songs and shanties, plus a raffle and bar — all for £10 a ticket. Tickets are available from Freshwater Memorial Hall, Freshwater Coffee House and Orchard Brothers, or via the QR code on the poster. Come along, have a great evening and help support your local independent lifeboat. 🌊⚓🎶

11/09/2026

📟🛟 Tasking Update

Possibly our quickest launch turnaround time to date today! 🚨

Paged at 12:23pm and safely on the water by 12:28pm.

FILB were tasked to two paddleboarders who had capsized and become trapped inside a cave east of Freshwater Bay.

With the tide high and surf running along the shoreline, we were unable to beach the D-class. A decision was therefore made for Crew Member Jack to enter the water and swim into the beach to locate the casualties, who we were initially unable to see.

Once located, casualty care was provided and both casualties were safely extracted from the cave. They were then handed over to our colleagues from Needles Coastguard Rescue Team and Ventnor Coastguard Rescue Team, who carried out a technical cliff rescue.

Thankfully, both casualties were safely recovered and are well. 🙏

A great example of teamwork between all the teams involved. 💪🛟

Needles Coastguard Rescue Team
Ventnor Coastguard Rescue Team

17/08/2026

Day At The Bay 2026 ☀️🌊⚓️

A huge thankyou to you all from everyone at FILB. Whether you were a stall holder, a food vendor, a local buisness who has supported us in some way or simply attended and took part in the day.

You all helped us raise an amazing £3405.21 and counting 👏

Keep your eyes peeled for the official opening in the coming months.

16/08/2026

15/08/2026

The Ohmz on until 18.30!

Come and join the fun 🎶☀️

Address

Boathouse
Freshwater
PO409RA

Telephone

+441983755090

Website

http://www.freshwaterlifeboat.org.uk/

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