In pictures: A look back at the history of Exmouth RNLI

For 215 years, generations of brave Exmouth volunteers have been saving lives at sea. The RNLI station was next to Ocean, now the home to Exmouth Rowing Club.

A purpose built station was constructed near Orcombe Point in September 2010, where they have been based ever since.

The RNLI adopted the local service and provided the first purpose-built lifeboat station in 1859 built to high institutional standards to fit the Victoria lifeboat and future vessels.

From 1961, larger mechanical lifeboats were moored in the River Exe and from 1966, this lifeboat station housed the first inshore lifeboats. The current boathouse opened in 2009.

Over the years, new technologies improved performance and safety; jets replaced oars; bespoke tractors and carriages replaced ropes and superior-designed lifejackets replaced cumbersome cork models. In November 2018, crew volunteers received new professional-grade kit, which is much lighter, waterproof and breathable than previous designs.

As a charity, the provision of all this equipment has only been possible due to our community’s generous donations and legacies.

For more information - visit exmouthlifeboat.org.uk or join a tour of the boathouse at weekends.