Salcombe RNLI

24/10/2026

22/10/2026

⚠️ With Storm Austen forecast to bring strong winds and heavy rain to the South West, we're urging everyone to take extra care around the coast. Strong winds are expected in some coastal areas, creating dangerous conditions at beaches, cliffs and seafronts.

🚩 Some RNLI lifeguarded beaches remain open during half term, but conditions may be extremely challenging. RNLI lifeguards may fly red flags where conditions are considered too dangerous to enter the water.

🌊 Stay well back from the water's edge and avoid taking unnecessary risks.

If you get into trouble in the water, remember Float to Live.

If you see someone in difficulty, remember Phone, Float, Throw:
📞 Call 999 and ask for the Coastguard
🛟 Tell them to float
🔵 Throw something that floats

Find out more: rnli.org/safety

The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) is reminding those visiting the coast to be aware of the dangers as Storm Austen is expected to bring strong winds and heavy rain to the South West from late Thursday into Friday.

05/10/2026

Congratulations to Salcombe RNLI Deputy Second Coxswain Chris Roberts and Jemma.

Chris and Jemma decided on a small, quiet wedding with family and close friends at The Moult, Salcombe, this past weekend. The intimate celebration, however, came with something of a surprise when an uninvited friend appeared on the horizon, creating an unexpected and memorable moment in their special day.

One of their shared passions is ‘Devon Young Fishers’, a charity they set up to help young children get involved in the fishing industry and discover more about life on the water. With fishing playing such an important part in their lives, what could have been more fitting for the reception than ‘fancy fish and chips’, with the fish caught by Chris and Jemma themselves?

Both Chris and Jemma said: ‘We were blown away when the lifeboat came down and stood off for us, during their weekly exercises. It is a big part of our life, and it meant so much that people took time out of their day to do it for us.’ The gesture added an especially personal touch to an already memorable celebration and reflected just how closely their wedding; their community and their love of the sea were connected.

04/10/2026

The Baltic Exchange Host Salcombe RNLI Volunteers.

Crew members from Salcombe RNLI were welcomed to the Royal Thames Yacht Club on Wednesday evening as guest of their long-time supporter the Baltic Exchange, for a special charity dinner sponsored by the Baltic Exchange Charitable Foundation. The occasion celebrated an enduring relationship; the Baltic Exchange has supported the RNLI since 1868 and has had a particularly close association with the Salcombe lifeboats in particular since 1962.

That support has continued across the decades and remains an important part of Salcombe RNLI’s future. Events such as this past week’s dinner have helped sustain that commitment, with the evening raising in excess of £400k. The funds will go towards the new Shannon Class all-weather lifeboat, due to arrive in Salcombe mid-2027. It will be named ‘The Baltic Exchange IV’ continuing a proud tradition and the long-standing relationship between the Baltic Exchange and Salcombe RNLI.

The guest speaker for the evening was the world-famous photographer David Yarrow, who offered guests a fascinating insight into the world of photography and the experiences behind the images. David also supported the fundraising effort by generously donating a framed photograph to the auction, adding another memorable element to an evening of, generosity and support for the RNLI’s lifesaving work.

A special note of thanks must go to the following for their amazing support: -

- Mr Richard Fulford Smith, for generously sponsoring the RNLI Crew table, donating a Wentworth Golf Club experience and purchasing an item at auction.
- The Baltic Exchange Charitable Foundation
- The David Yarrow Foundation
- Mark Jackson
- Mr & Mrs Petropoulo
- Mr Mike Robson
- The Knowles Family
- The Hindley Family
- Mr & Mrs Charles Maltby
- The Royal Automobile Club

01/10/2026

Hastings RNLI lifeboat station has announced that, following a medical incident at the lifeboat station last night, a much-loved member of the crew sadly passed away.

The thoughts of everyone at Salcombe lifeboat station are with our colleagues and friends at Hastings during this very difficult and distressing time. We also extend our deepest sympathies to the family, friends and all those affected by this sad loss.

We would ask everyone to respect the privacy of the crew, and especially that of the family and friends, as they come to terms with what has happened.

Thank you for your understanding.

27/09/2026

A busy 24 hours for Salcombe RNLI crew, with three call-outs on the water and a wedding reception on shore.

Late on Thursday evening, the ILB was tasked by the Coast Guard to a 23’ Boston Whaler that had broken down in the Range, with loss of communications and one person on board. Following a short assessment, the casualty was towed into harbour and secured on a mooring just off the town.

A second call in the early hours of Friday morning saw the ALB tasked to a 40’ yacht with one person on board, which had suffered a complete electrical failure and was unable to sail into harbour in a light northerly wind and thick fog. After conducting an assessment, the casualty was towed alongside and taken into Salcombe.

Early Friday evening, the Salcombe ILB was tasked by HM Coastguard after a member of the public walking on the cliffs reported a solo paddleboarder between Prawle Point and Start Point appearing to struggle. On scene, the paddleboarder was found to be very experienced, proficient, and well equipped, but had decided to head back toward Dartmouth. Coastguard was informed and monitored their return.

With ‘calls sorted’ for now, and the hope of a brief quiet period ahead, the thoughts turned toward the wedding reception. So, after a quick wash and brush-up for a few and a hurried dash for others, crew members arrived just in time to join in and wish Sarah and Nigel much happiness in the years to come. The atmosphere was relaxed and cheerful, with conversation drifting easily from work to celebration. Nigel will, we are assured, one day come to find himself quite fond of little Walter as well.