Help make a new lifeboat station in Margate a reality

Courageous lifeboat volunteers in Margate have been saving lives at sea since 1860. Ever since Margate Pier was destroyed in a storm in 1978 the crew have been housed in a temporary building on the prom, and it’s now showing its age. We now have an opportunity to give our volunteers the permanent home they deserve, which sets lifesaving up in Margate for years to come.

Because we’re a charity, our lifeboat volunteers rely on the generous support of people like you to save lives. By helping to fund a new RNLI lifeboat station you’ll not only be their lifeline, but you’ll also be a lifesaver for the people who rely on their critical search and rescue skills.

"Help us provide modern facilities for our crew, and a place to welcome the public. You will be helping us save lives for decades to come.

"Replacing our old lifeboat station with a modern, permanent building will put us in the best possible position to save lives in future. Increasing the size of the boathall will give more room for storing rescue equipment, which will make it easier and quicker to reach those who need our help. Faster launches could mean the difference between life and death. Every moment counts when lives are in danger.

"We’ll be able to accommodate RNLI lifeboat crew and lifeguards under one roof. Having a training facility at the lifeboat station will save time and money. And as lifeguards will no longer need to travel to the support centre in Ramsgate for their training, it will reduce our carbon footprint too.

"With your help, crew will have somewhere warm to recover after an exhausting rescue, and to dry their kit. They’ll have a place for the all-important rescue debrief or to just talk things through. Crucially, they will be able to continue their lifesaving work, and – with a changing room that’s easier to access, and an additional room for crew and lifeguard training – be even more effective.

"A bigger and more visible RNLI shop, a dedicated visitor space and a viewing platform that'll grant a view of the lifeboats will make for a better visitor experience. Your help will allow us to host larger groups of children, share more water safety tips and promote water safety in the town and further afield. That will be so important in keeping people safe.

"Your kindness will help save lives. Thank you."

Del Amas

Lifeboat Operations Manager, Margate

Rescue figures from 1860 to 2023

On a busy day in summer, people flock to Margate in their thousands. For many, this is their first visit to the beach and they may be unaware of the dangers. Margate Main Beach, one of five beaches along the north Thanet coast that we patrol, contains hidden dangers like the tidal pool. Here, it’s easy to get out of your depth, slip, trip or fall.

Keeping a watchful eye on beachgoers is vital but it’s not the only role that lifeguards play. They mark safe swim zones and take thousands of other preventative actions every year. They’re supported by the lifeboat crews, which will respond to emergencies at sea anywhere from Reculver to the North Foreland Lighthouse near Broadstairs. Their crews deal with everything from people getting cut off by the tide and broken-down boats, to inflatables blown out to sea. All of this is possible only with help from kind people like you.

You can be a lifesaver today by helping to provide the facilities we so urgently need to carry on saving people in future. Thank you for your generosity.