The next episode in the second series of BBC2’s RNLI documentary ‘Saving Lives at Sea’, which airs at 20:00 on Tuesday (26th September), will feature footage of the Yarmouth Lifeboat in action and interviews with the Coxswain and members of the volunteer crew.
Yarmouth is 1 of 3 RNLI lifeboat stations on the Island – the others being Cowes and Bembridge – and 1 of 39 on the coast of South East England. The station is served by a full-time coxswain and mechanic, with a pool of 22 local volunteers on the crew.
Last year, Yarmouth’s Severn class lifeboat, the largest in the RNLI fleet, was requested to launch by the UK Coastguard on 42 occasions, rescuing a total of 91 people. This year’s figures, as they stand, will be very similar, maintaining the yearly average of 41 shouts and 80 people rescued over the last 5 years.
The local West Wight community helps to keep the Yarmouth Lifeboat afloat through donations and voluntary work, such as assisting with fundraising events, lifeboat tours and the RNLI shop. If you’re interested in joining this friendly band of volunteers, the shop is looking for help with weekend duties. Retail experience would be helpful but training will be given; please call on 01983 761345 for more information.
