Solent Rescue Independant Lifeboat

Home
United Kingdom
Exbury
Solent Rescue Independant Lifeboat

Directions Website

🛟 Independent Lifeboat Charity
📍Lepe Country Park, Western Solent in Hampshire

22/10/2026

A huge thank you to Martyn and the team at Tohatsu UK 🙌

Two years ago, one of SR01's engines failed beyond economical repair. It was a serious blow for our volunteer charity, but Tohatsu, based just up the road in Lymington, went all out to get us back on the water with a brand new pair of Tohatsu 140hp four-strokes.

Since then they've been there every time we've needed them, with first-class support and advice from day one.

That support goes well beyond servicing, as they are always looking for ways to improve our set up. Recently their special products team at Amaroq engineered a capsize restart system for SR01, so that if the worst happens and she's inverted, the crew can get the engines running again once she's righted. It's a real step up in safety for our volunteers, and something we're very grateful to have.

This week SR01 went back to them for a full strip-down and inspection as both engines approach 500 hours of service, and as always the team looked after her brilliantly.

We genuinely couldn't recommend Tohatsu UK more highly. Thank you for keeping SR01 ready to respond.

Charity No. 267039 | solent-rescue.org.uk

29/09/2026

Two of our volunteers are at Solent University today as part of our recruitment drive.

If you're on campus today, please come and have a chat with them. They’ll be happy to answer any questions and tell you more about volunteering with Solent Rescue.

We have a number of roles available, including:
Boat Crew – with opportunities to progress to Navigator and Coxswain
Land Crew – including tractor drivers
Fundraising and Support Roles

We provide internal training to help you develop your skills, so no prior experience is needed. We also offer opportunities to undertake courses including:
⛑️ Casualty Care
🛟 Personal Survival Techniques
🧭 Navigation
🚤 Powerboat Training

Whether you're looking for a new challenge, want to learn new skills, or simply want to give something back to your local community, there could be a place for you at Solent Rescue.

Come and speak to our volunteers today, or get in touch with us to find out more.

Charity No. 267039 | solent-rescue.org.uk

https://forms.cloud.microsoft/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=fdmrrq-W5UWVbJWEvWdr_8pIXEvFqK9CuF3iCtSEzvhUNzlGWEw5R1g4SERFT0FBODNKNlVBTlRERC4u&origin=QRCode&route=shorturl

25/09/2026

While carrying out routine training in the Solent during our last training night on Tuesday 15th September, SR02 was tasked to a broken-down vessel drifting on the ebb tide.

The vessel was located west of the Sconce Buoy. As SR02 arrived on scene, the vessel successfully restarted her engine. The crew transferred one crew member onboard, and es**rted the vessel safely back to Lymington.

📣🛟 We’re looking for volunteers!

We hold training sessions on fortnightly Tuesday evenings, along with duty days most Saturdays and Sundays.
If you’re interested in becoming part of the operational crew or helping in another role, we’d love to hear from you!

Charity No. 267039 | solent-rescue.org.uk

20/09/2026

Our volunteers are all set up down at Lepe Country Park today, and will be there until 4pm, ready to answer any questions you have about independent lifeboat organisations.

Whether you’re interested in becoming a crew member, helping with fundraising, or simply want to find out more about what we do, come along and have a chat with us.

Charity No. 267039 | solent-rescue.org.uk

18/09/2026

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to volunteer with a lifeboat crew, or perhaps you’ve thought about getting involved but weren’t sure what’s involved?

Come and meet us…
📍At Lepe Country Park
🗓️ This Sunday 20th September
⏰ Between 10am and 4pm to find out more!

Solent Rescue Lifeboat is an independent lifeboat, operating separately from the RNLI. While we fulfil a similar lifesaving and rescue role, we are an independent charity with our own crew, funding and operations.

We’ll be at Lepe alongside some fantastic local organisations and community groups, including Friends of Lepe, D-Day Lepe Heritage Group, NCI - Calshot Tower & Stone Point, and The Langley Hub.

Whether you’re interested in becoming a crew member, helping with fundraising, or simply want to find out more about what we do, come along and have a chat with us.

Charity No. 267039 | solent-rescue.org.uk

13/09/2026

During training this weekend, the crew put their training into practice when SR02 was tasked to a lone swimmer off Lymington, after they were spotted in difficulty by a passing sailor.

The swimmer was reported to be confused, with concerns around cold water shock and suspected hypothermia. SR02 was on scene within minutes, with two crew members going aboard to assess the casualty.

The casualty was deemed time crucial and transferred onto SR02 for immediate transport to Lymington, with TPA (thermal protective aid) used en route to help warm them. They were then handed over to the ambulance service for ongoing care.

A big shoutout to RNLI Lymington for their assistance and es**rt, it’s always a pleasure to work alongside some of our SAR colleagues.

Today was a reminder of why regular training is so important, but also of the vital role other water users can play in an emergency. Carrying a reliable means of calling for help can make all the difference. The passing sailor’s quick actions in spotting the swimmer and raising the alarm meant help could be mobilised quickly and ultimately played an important part in getting the casualty to safety.

📸 Sailingimages.co.uk

Charity No. 267039 | solent-rescue.org.uk

08/09/2026

On Sunday afternoon, SR01 was diverted from routine training by Solent Coastguard to assist a motor vessel that had issued a distress call due to a suspected runaway engine just off Hurst Point.

Our lifeboat made best speed to the casualty vessel, arriving shortly after the initial call. Thankfully, by the time our crew arrived, the skipper had managed to resolve the issue and no further assistance was required.

Aside from the tasking, the crew also carried out a range of routine training, including tow setup, emergency operating procedures, and helm training.

A great opportunity to put our training into practice and ensure the crew remains ready to respond when needed.

📸 Sailingimages.co.uk

Charity No. 267039 | solent-rescue.org.uk

01/09/2026

Solent Rescue is excited to be joining the Hythe Activity Day at Hythe Village Centre on Saturday 5th September, 10am–3pm.

If you’ve ever thought about volunteering with us, would like to find out more about what we do, or simply want to come along and have a chat, please come and say hello!

Charity No. 267039 | solent-rescue.org.uk

10/08/2026

COWES WEEK RECAP…

⏰ 535 volunteer hours
⌚️ 89 hours afloat

🗓️ 7 days of coverage
🌙 1 training evening

🚤 2 lifeboats afloat

☎️ 15 incidents attended including…
🧍‍♂️ 6 patients assessed
⛵️ 3 vessels aground
🔥 3 boat fires
🌊 2 people recovered from the water

🤝Worked alongside 8 partner agencies including…
Hamble Lifeboat, Calshot Lifeboat, Lymington CRT, Hill Head CRT, Ventnor CRT, Cowes Harbour Commission, South Central Ambulance Service, and Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service.

Charity No. 267039 | solent-rescue.org.uk

08/08/2026

The final few days of Cowes Week kept Solent Rescue busy!

On Thursday, whilst providing event cover, SR2 attended three separate vessels aground. Two on Gurnard Ledge and a third at Grantham Rocks. On each occasion, the crew checked everyone onboard, assessed for water ingress and checked steering. All three vessels were able to free themselves, with SR2 standing by until it was safe to return to patrol.

Friday saw the crew assisting a casualty with a dislocated shoulder. Working alongside Calshot Lifeboat, they helped provide analgesia and safely brought the casualty ashore, where they were handed over to the ambulance service.

The team then finished Cowes Week providing safety cover for the fireworks. Thankfully, it was an uneventful evening on the water, allowing the crew to enjoy the spectacular display too!

A busy few days and a great end to another Cowes Week. A huge thank you to our volunteers and all our partner agencies in keeping everyone on the water safe.

Charity No. 267039 | solent-rescue.org.uk

Address

Lepe Country Park
Exbury
SO451AD

Website

http://www.solent-rescue.org.uk/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Solent Rescue Independant Lifeboat posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.