Gosport And Fareham Inshore Rescue Service

22/10/2026

🌊⚠️STORM AUSTEN IS ON THE WAY⚠️🌊

With strong winds and heavy rain forecast across our region, we’re reminding everyone to take extra care around the coast over the coming days.

As your local independent lifeboat service, we’re always ready to respond when called upon, but we’d much rather everyone stayed safe and avoided getting into difficulty in the first place.

🌬️ If you’re heading to the coast, please remember:

🚫 Stay back: Large waves can sweep you off your feet, even when you think you’re standing at a safe distance. Keep away from the water’s edge, sea walls and exposed promenades.

🌊 Check conditions: Keep up to date with weather forecasts and tide times. If conditions are poor, postpone your visit.

📸 Don’t risk it for a photo: No picture is worth putting your life at risk. Avoid climbing onto rocks, piers or slippery coastal structures.

🚤 Think before you go afloat: Strong winds and rough seas can quickly make conditions dangerous. Check the forecast and ensure you have the right safety equipment.

❤️ Know what to do: If you see someone in trouble in the water, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard. Never enter the water yourself. If safe to do so, throw them something that floats.

18/10/2026

𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 to all Wessex Branch members who received honours yesterday at the Royal Life Saving Society UK - RLSS UK National Honours Ceremony held in the Great Hall at the University of Birmingham. And, also to those who were unable to attend to receive their awards. The ceremony celebrated the amazing work of all RLSS UK volunteers.

Congratulations also to:
𝗥𝗟𝗦𝗦 𝗣𝗼𝗼𝗹𝗲 𝗟𝗶𝗳𝗲𝗴𝘂𝗮𝗿𝗱 – awarded the Stuart Bailey Trophy for Outstanding Work in Open Water
𝗝𝗼𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗲 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗴 from GAFIRS - awarded the Deborah Hunt Trophy for Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
𝗞𝗲𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗢’𝗡𝗲𝗶𝗹𝗹 also from GAFIRS - awarded the Ken White Trophy for Fundraising

RLSS Poole Lifeguard - Page
Gosport And Fareham Inshore Rescue Service

17/10/2026

Congratulations to Charlotte who represented GAFIRS in the RLSS UK South Region heats for the National Lifesaving competition recently, we are proud to say Charlotte is now through to the national finals after winning the Ladies event.

Charlotte put her knowledge and practical abilities to the test in an Aquatic Initiative Test and Life Support, Rope Throw, Swim and Tow event. Best of Luck at Nationals 🏆

16/10/2026

Over the last seven days, our volunteers have received three further pager alerts, responding to reports of:

🚤 A vessel taking on water near Calshot Spit.

📟 A distress beacon in Port Solent indicating someone may be in the water.

🛟 A person entering the water in Portsmouth Harbour.

Thankfully, on all three occasions, our crew were stood down before launching, following confirmation that everyone was safe in the hands of other emergency services.

With winter well and truly on its way, please take extra care around the water. Weather conditions can change quickly, and water temperatures are dropping, increasing the risk of cold-water shock and difficulty staying afloat.

Before heading out:

✅ Check the weather and tides.
✅ Wear a suitable lifejacket when on the water.
✅ Carry a means of calling for help.
✅ Let someone know your plans.

🚨 If you find yourself in difficulty, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard 🚨

Our volunteers are always ready to respond, day or night, but preparation can make all the difference!

09/10/2026

A busy week for your local lifeboat service! 🚨

Last night, while wrapping up a training session, our crew were tasked to assist a sailing vessel that had run aground near Pewit Island.

With our Inshore Lifeboat (ILB) close by, both boats responded to assist the casualty vessel, while also providing a valuable opportunity for those in training to put their skills into practice.

This brings us to tasking 89 of the year, and our third call-out in just four days!

We’d love to say it’s time for a well-earned rest, but the Solent never sleeps! 🌊

As your local independent lifeboat service, our dedicated volunteers remain ready to respond whenever they’re needed, day or night 🧡

07/10/2026

Last night the GAFIRS team again worked through the night after being alerted to a vessel which had gone aground in the vicinity of Pewit Island.

Using specialist equipment, the crew were able to secure the yacht and evacuate the casualty by lifeboat to a place of safety.

This task is number 88 of the year, and the second night in a row our volunteers have worked through the night to keep our local water users safe 🛟

06/10/2026

06/10/2026

Another long night for our crews as they were alerted to a vessel in difficulty south of Gillkicker shortly after 3am. The vessel, whilst travelling through thick and heavy fog, had suffered an electrical fault leaving it without navigation lights, charts or VHF. It was also unable to engage astern. Luckily a nearby pilot boat assisted until Gosport Lifeboat arrived to take the vessel under tow and back to the safety of Gosport Marina.

The crew operated in little to no visibility last night in what could have been a very dangerous environment. Luckily the Joan Dora Fuller used its radar and navigational aids to help her home safely, with the crew departing around 6am, 3 hours after being initially tasked!

03/10/2026

A huge thank you to Harry Watson who recently cycled from London to Brighton, raising an amazing £750! Congratulations Harry! 🚲

As an independent lifeboat station, we rely on members of the public just like Harry, who go above and beyond to raise money for us. So thank you to Harry and to all those who donate to keep us afloat! ⛴️ 🛟

01/10/2026

💦 SAVE THE DATE! 🏊🏼‍♀️🥳

Your three-month countdown starts now! 🎉

Our much-loved New Year’s Day Swim is back, and we’d love for you to join us!

📅 Friday 1st January 2027
⏰ 12pm
📍 Outside Gosport and Fareham Inshore Rescue Service

Whether you’re taking the plunge or cheering from the sidelines, we look forward to welcoming you all for a fantastic start to the New Year!

See you there! 💙