The 150th anniversary of Swanage RNLI in Dorset was celebrated with a gathering of family, friends, volunteers and local people, along with a moment of reflection to remember all those who have been rescued at sea since the town got its first lifeboat in 1875.
The event took place at the Swanage Lifeboat Station along Peveril Point Road on Saturday 13th September 2025, and included the presentation of a certificate by the RNLI’s chief executive Peter Sparkes to the chair of Swanage RNLI Dave Corben, to mark the milestone.
Chair of Swanage RNLI Dave Corben (left) accepts a certificate commemorating 150 years of the lifeboat station in Swanage, from RNLI’s chief executive Peter Sparkes (right)
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.
Swanage weather at its best for the commemorative event
Swanage RNLI crew and volunteers
“Thank you for all that you do”
Speaking at the official ceremony, RNLI’s chief executive Peter Sparkes said:
“Swanage has launched 87 times already this year, up on last year’s average. Demand for the RNLI services are increasing year on year – the importance of what you do is increasing year on year. Thank you for all that you do for your community and the people you have never yet met…
“Let’s all celebrate the achievement of today’s crew and those who have gone before, notably those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice including here at Swanage where coxswain William Brown made the ultimate sacrifice while on service on 12th January 1895.
“We are incredibly fortunate in the RNLI to have people who selflessly give their all for those they have never met, and William Brown is one.”
Swanage lifeboat crew and launchers in front of the old Swanage lifeboat house in 1924
The launch of Swanage’s first powered lifeboat the Thomas Marksby in 1928
Swanage stats 1875 to 2025
- Operated 15 lifeboats of different classes
- Launched on service 3,187 times
- Saved 785 lives
Traditional sea shanties added to the flavour of the day
Old photos and new paintings by local artist Richard Hooke were on display
RNLI’s chief executive Peter Sparkes (centre) chatting to Swanage RNLI coxswain Dave Turnbull (left), with Swanage RNLI lifeboat operations manager Rob Pullman (right)
“A memorable day”
During the day marking the 150th anniversary, there were boathouse tours, a demonstration lifeboat launch, a display of old photographs and new paintings of the crew in action, singing of sea shanties, plus refreshments.
Chair of Swanage RNLI, Dave Corben speaking after the event said:
“It all went very well with great attendance and support – we were disappointed by the weather initially but blessed with blue skies in the afternoon.
“A memorable day and now we can look forward to the lifeboat continuing at Swanage for another 150 years!
“Over the years since I joined 55 years ago, there’s been many changes at the lifeboat station. When I first served with the crew in 1970, the lifeboat only did 10 miles per hour – eight knots – and was an open top boat and we all just got wet in bad weather. It was the old boat house too, so my memories were mainly of the cold and wet!
“Then we had the Rother class lifeboat, which still only did eight knots but did have a degree of shelter, although it was certainly lively on board as it really pitched and tossed in a rough sea. Next came the Mersey which did 17 knots and had some of the modern technology.
“Of course the crew here now have a fantastic boat – the Shannon all weather lifeboat – which does 27 knots and is more like a computer game to operate with a joystick.
“It costs the RNLI thousands of pounds every time we launch operationally so we welcome all donations.
“I’d like to thank everyone who came along to help us celebrate and contributed to our funds from buying a cup of tea and cake, to those who have given us generous cash donations – it all helps!”
Inside the D class’s boat house
Flying the flag for the RNLI
Further information
- More about Swanage RNLI history
More photos
There was plenty of support from across the community throughout the day
The inshore lifeboat kit ready for action
Lovely afternoon to tour the boat house
Teas and coffee plus great cakes including, of course, Dorset apple cake!
Swanage shops joined in the celebrations with their window displays
Swanage Bookshop throws a lifeline
The RNLI shop went to town for the occasion
The famous yellow wellies and flowers by the Purbeck Flower Club
