The town’s major fundraiser for the RNLI, Swanage Lifeboat Week returns for 2025 and this year it’s extra special as it marks 150 years since the first lifeboat station was built in Swanage in Dorset.
The significant anniversary will be celebrated from Saturday 9th to Sunday 17th August 2025, starting off with the Swanage boathouse open day and the annual duck race along the Swan Brook.
The names will be added to the letters and numbers on Swanage’s all weather lifeboat
Name on Swanage’s lifeboat
There’s also a chance to get your name or that of a loved one printed on the side of Swanage’s all weather lifeboat.
As part of the 150th anniversary, Swanage Lifeboat Station has been chosen for the Launch a Memory appeal.
For a suggested donation of £75, people’s names will be added to the letters and numbers on the side of the Shannon class lifeboat.
Wednesday is the regular training evening
Tours of the lifeboat station are always popular
“Unusual birthday present!
Coxswain of Swanage RNLI Dave Turnbull said:
“The appeal has already been very popular since its launch in June, with more than £350,000 raised and 4,000 names already nominated.
“However we can have up to 15,000 names on the side of the boat, so there’s still plenty of time to get involved.
“The knowledge that thousands of people support what we do is greatly appreciated. It’s nice to have the opportunity to remember someone past or living and certainly makes for an unusual birthday present!
“There’ll be opportunities during Swanage Lifeboat week to sign up or just visit our website.”
Some of the Swanage lifeboat crew and launchers at Wednesday night training on 6th August 2025, ahead of lifeboat week
Swanage lifeboat crew and launchers in 1924
First Swanage lifeboat cost £389 in 1875
The original Swanage Lifeboat Station was built in 1875 following the ship wreck of the brig Wild Wave on the Peveril Ledges, which highlighted the need for a lifeboat in the area.
The lifeboat station was opened on 16th September 1875 at a cost of £525 for the boathouse and slipway. The first lifeboat was called Charlotte Mary and cost £389.
The current lifeboat station was rebuilt on the same site and opened in 2016 to accommodate the new larger Shannon class lifeboat.
The station now has two boats, an all weather Shannon class, launched down a slipway and a D class inshore lifeboat.
The duck race is always popular
The Build a Boat competition is a great spectator sport!
“Our fundraising efforts make all the difference”
Dave added:
“We think that in its present form, Swanage Lifeboat Week has been going for about 20 years. With ever increasing costs, our fundraising efforts make all the difference.
“We don’t raise enough locally to pay for everything we do, so that’s why the Launch a Memory appeal is important, as we have to draw on the central pot, but the more we can raise during lifeboat week in Swanage, the better.
“However the week is also about getting involved in fun activities. Financially, we know it’s not easy for everyone at the moment but lots of the events are a great way for families to enjoy themselves for not much money.
“We start the week with trying to sell 2,500 ducks in two days but it’s only £2.50 per duck to enter. The boat house open day is always popular and free to look around.
“We do charge a £10 entry fee for running the 5K lighthouse loop but people don’t seem to mind as we’ve already had 180 sign up. It’s actually growing in popularity and really taking off.
“The build a boat competition has had a good number of teams signed up but there are still some spaces, so get in touch if there’s any more groups wanting to take part. And there’s still an opportunity to sign up to Friday’s raft race.
“The most important thing is to help us celebrate 150 years since Swanage got its first lifeboat station in 1875. Come down and enjoy yourselves and meet some of our team.
“And if anyone wants to get involved just let us know. It’s easier now than ever to volunteer, even if it’s just for a few hours.
“Last year after lifeboat week, we had 2,500 plastic ducks to wash and we were just starting the rather time consuming task when a family happened to walk past and offered to help us. It’s just great when things happen like that and really appreciated!”
Most events happen in Prince Albert Gardens
Runners line up to spend £10 to run up Swanage’s hills!
Swanage Lifeboat Week events 2025
Saturday 9th August
- 10 am to 4 pm: Ducks on sale in town for tomorrow’s race £2.50 each
- 11 am to 4 pm: Boathouse open day, lifeboat launches and demos
- 6 pm to 9 pm: Angling Competition – Swanage Angling Club
Sunday 10th August
- 10 am to 4 pm: Charity Duck Race. Ducks on sale in town for £2.50 each
- 4 pm to 4.30 pm: Duck Race, start outside The Con Club, finish at The Mowlem
Monday 11th August
- 7 pm to 10.30 pm: Outdoor theatre ‘The Rivals’ at Prince Albert Gardens
- 8 pm to 11 pm: Darts Trophy – Swanage Royal British Legion (teams of 4) register from 7 pm
Tuesday 12th August
- 10 am to 12 noon: Crabbing competition (enter at Swanage Sea Fishing Hut – Lower High Street)
- 6.30 pm to 8.30 pm: Swanage Sailing Club, Fun Sailing Race (start/finish at The Mowlem)
Wednesday 13th August
- 7 pm: Lighthouse Loop – 5K trail run (6 pm sign in)
Thursday 14th August
- 6.15 pm: Lifeboat launch
- 6.30 pm to 8.30 pm: Swanage Sailing Club Senior Race
- 6 pm to 9 pm: Gig Race Main Beach
- 8 pm to 11 pm: Fun quiz Swanage Royal British Legion – Teams of up to 6, £3 per person
Friday 15th August
- 9 am to 1 pm: Flag Day street collection
- 6.30 pm to 7.30 pm: Rescue the Damsel Raft Race, Main beach (sign in from 17:30)
- 6 pm to 11 pm: Live music, bar and barbecue at Prince Albert Gardens (free entry)
Saturday 16th August
- 11 am to 4 pm: Lifeboat fayre and refreshments at Prince Albert Gardens
- 12 noon to 4 pm: Build a boat competition at Prince Albert Gardens
- 12 noon to 4 pm: Live music, bar and barbecue at Prince Albert Gardens (free entry)
- 3 pm: Swanage Bay Fish, lobster raffle draw at Prince Albert Gardens
- 3.30 pm: Swanage Lifeboat fayre raffle draw
- 4 pm to 5 pm: Build a Boat race, The Stone Quay
- 6 pm to 11 pm: Live music, bar and barbecue at Prince Albert Gardens (free entry)
Sunday 17th August
- 5.30 pm: Lifeboat church service at Swanage Pier (access from 5.15 pm)
Live music on the Friday and last Saturday is a highlight
The Reptiles attract a crowd
Live music lineup 2025
One of the most popular parts of the week is the last weekend when there’s live music at Prince Albert Gardens in Swanage, along with a bar and a barbecue.
And of course as tradition dictates, the final set is by the extraordinary band The Reptiles which draw a loyal crowd.
Friday 15th August
- 7 pm: Emma Hardy Band
- 9 pm: Six and Sax
Saturday 16th August
- 12 noon: Love Soul Choir
- 2 pm: Tim Somerfield
- 7 pm: Sundrunk
- 9 pm: The Reptiles
Further information
- More on the Swanage RNLI website
- More about the Launch a Memory appeal
- Sign up for the 5K Lighthouse Loop and the raft race
