Swanage RNLI lifeboat to carry thousands of loved ones’ names
The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) has revealed that the names of thousands of people will be added to Swanage RNLI’s Shannon-class lifeboat, as the lifeboat station becomes part of the charity’s popular Launch a Memory campaign.
The campaign invites members of the public to commemorate someone they have lost, or celebrate a loved one still living, by making a suggested donation of £75 and submitting that person’s name online. Up to 15,000 names will then be added to the boat’s decals – the lettering and numbering on the lifeboat – launching along with the crew every time the lifeboat is called out.
Swanage RNLI’s Shannon-class lifeboat is the George Thomas Lacy, and has been on service at Swanage since 2016. Originally funded by a generous legacy from George Lacy, the lifeboat has launched 337 times, aided 435 people and saved 18 lives since coming on service at the station.*
The new campaign comes during a very special year for the Swanage lifeboat community, as the station marks 150 years of lifesaving.
Dave Turnbull, Volunteer Coxswain at Swanage RNLI, said: ‘We are honoured that Swanage has been chosen as the home of the RNLI’s latest Launch a Memory lifeboat. Our Shannon-class lifeboat has kept people safe in the waters off Swanage for almost a decade now, and knowing that in the future, she will carry the names of thousands of people’s loved ones, makes it even more special.
‘To become a Launch a Memory lifeboat station in our 150th year is just phenomenal, the real icing on the cake to what is already a very significant year for us. It’s a wonderful way for people to remember and celebrate their loved ones and support the RNLI’s lifesaving work at the same time.’
This will be the eighth RNLI Launch a Memory lifeboat, and the first in Dorset.
Faye Stammers, Marketing Manager at the RNLI, added: ‘We’re delighted to be able to invite members of the public to submit names for this special Launch a Memory lifeboat. We hope that it will be a fitting tribute to their loved one and bring comfort knowing that their name is alongside our crews when they receive a call for help.
‘Everyone who supports the campaign will receive email updates about the lifeboat, keeping them informed of all major developments. We’re hoping our newest Launch a Memory campaign will be incredibly popular, as others have been, with so many people wanting to honour a loved one in this unique and special way’.
Anyone wishing to donate to the Swanage Launch a Memory lifeboat and add the name of a loved one should visit rnli.org/launchamemory. Those who donate a name to the campaign will also receive a commemorative digital certificate, as well as email updates about the vital work the lifeboat performs.
*Figures from RNLI Operational Statistics as of 15 May 2025.
Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,700 lives.
Learn more about the RNLI
For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, X, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.
Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries
Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.