Exmouth RNLI: saving lives for two centuries

Exmouth Crew 2003. Picture: Exmouth RNLI archives (Image: Archant)

For 215 years, generations of brave Exmouth volunteers have been saving lives at sea.

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.

008 Crew Joseph Somes. Picture: Exmouth RNLI archives (Image: Archant)

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.

Modern day all-weather lifeboat (Shannon) launch. Picture: Exmouth RNLI archives (Image: Archant)

The crew and their new Helly Hansen All-weather Lifeboat kit. Picture: Exmouth RNLI archives (Image: Archant)

The Joseph Somes. Picture: Exmouth RNLI archives (Image: Archant)

New lifejackets in October 2012. Picture: Exmouth RNLI archives (Image: Archant)

Crew of the Joseph Somes made valiant attempts to reach the wreck of the Tehwija in 1907. (Image: Archant)

The D255 navigating rocks during a rescue. Picture: Exmouth RNLI archives (Image: Archant)

The D255 inshore lifeboat. Picture: Exmouth RNLI archives (Image: Archant)

The crew of 1997. Picture: Exmouth RNLI archives (Image: Archant)

Duchess of Kent during her visit in 1971. Picture: Exmouth RNLI archives (Image: Archant)

Gertrude on the water. Picture: Exmouth RNLI archives (Image: Archant)

Crew of the Catherine Harriet Eaton. Picture: Exmouth RNLI archives (Image: Archant)

Duchess of Kent pictured with Brian Rowsell during her visit in 1971. Picture: Exmouth RNLI archives (Image: Archant)

A launch of the Catherine Harriet Eaton. Picture: Exmouth RNLI archives (Image: Archant)

The City of Birmingham crew. Picture: Exmouth RNLI archives (Image: Archant)

Launch D-364. Picture: Exmouth RNLI archives (Image: Archant)

Maria Noble and tractor. Picture: Exmouth RNLI archives (Image: Archant)

The Victoria lifeboat was launched in Exmouth in 1859 Picture: Exmouth RNLI (Image: Picture: Exmouth RNLI)

The Victoria lifeboat was launched in Exmouth in 1859. Picture: Exmouth RNLI (Image: Picture: Exmouth RNLI)