On this virtual tour, you can explore the engine room, wander around the wheelhouse and even travel to the upper deck to take the helm, and guide your crew from the lookout.
take your tour today
Your Launch a Memory Swanage updates
Welcome to your updates page, where you can keep track of the Swanage lifeboat.
Guidance on station visits and contact
As Swanage is a working lifeboat station, we kindly ask that you don’t contact the station directly with Launch a Memory queries or turn up hoping to see the lifeboat, as it may be out on operational duties.
If you have any queries about Launch a Memory, please read our FAQs, email [email protected] or call our Supporter Experience Team on 0300 300 9905.
Any opportunities to see the lifeboat in the future will be communicated to supporters via email, and this updates page.
Keepsakes to treasure
You can now purchase mementos of your Launch a Memory lifeboat – each keepsake will provide a constant reminder that your special someone is right there beside the Swanage lifeboat crew every time they launch. The range includes a magnet, metal keyring, pin badge and mug, as well as new additions such as a leather cardholder, a leather keyring, cufflinks and a print of your Shannon class lifeboat. The collection is available online now from RNLI Shop. Every £1 you spend helps to save lives at sea.
Like father, like daughter
Swanage RNLI celebrates Alice Haw’s proud achievement as she ‘passes out’ as Helm on the Inshore lifeboat, Roy Norgrove. Inspired by her father, retired coxswain Chris Haw, Alice joined eight years ago and now also navigates the Shannon lifeboat RNLI 13-13 — the very lifeboat carrying names from the Launch a Memory campaign.
Memories that live on
At Swanage RNLI, lifesaving runs in the family. Steve and Felix Williams are a father-son duo who serve side by side on the crew. Steve has volunteered for 26 years, acting as both Navigator on the all-weather lifeboat George Thomas Lacy and the station’s Training Coordinator. Felix, inspired by years of watching his dad respond to the pager, joined the crew six years ago and is now a fully qualified crew member.
Felix says seeing his dad’s dedication over the years makes him proud to follow in his footsteps. Both serve aboard the Launch a Memory lifeboat, carrying the names of loved ones who inspire every rescue. Their story is just one example of the strong family bonds that power the RNLI, where generations come together to save lives at sea.
You’re part of our 150-year story at Swanage
‘Becoming a Launch a Memory lifeboat station in 2025 - our 150th anniversary year - is just phenomenal. And having your loved one’s name on our Shannon class lifeboat really is the icing on the cake. Thank you for remembering or celebrating a loved one with us and welcome to the Swanage RNLI family’
Dave Turnbull, Volunteer Coxswain, Swanage Lifeboat Station
Celebration certificates
If you have gifted Launch a Memory for a loved one to celebrate their birthday, anniversary or other special occasion, please email [email protected] once you have made your submission to receive your celebration certificate.
By default, certificates are processed for in memory so you will receive one of these automatically - but celebration certificates for those still with us are available upon request following the steps above.
Get the most from Launch a Memory
Many people have shared heart-warming stories about why they chose to include the name of someone they miss on the lifeboat - as well as celebrating their or their loved one's connection to the RNLI.
add a dedication
Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about Launch a Memory, and how to contact us if you still need help.
Browse Launch a Memory FAQs
An RNLI Forever by the Sea tribute fund is an online space for you to share treasured stories and photos of your loved one with family and friends. If you want to, you can also use it to help raise funds for the RNLI in their memory.
share your memories and raise funds