RNLI Harwich Lifeboat Station

24/08/2026

Two shouts in one evening.

On Tuesday 4 August our inshore lifeboat launched at 4.15pm to four young people in trouble while swimming off Dovercourt beach. Three of them managed to swim ashore. The fourth was recovered onto the lifeboat and landed on the beach unharmed.

Just over two hours later we were called again, this time to two children being swept out to sea near Felixstowe Pier. Both were safely ashore before we reached the scene.

Everyone got out of the water safely, which is exactly what we want. It doesn't take much for a shout like this to go the other way.

One thing worth knowing. Dovercourt has seafront wardens, not lifeguards. They do a valuable job and they can get help moving very quickly, but they are not there to swim out to you. If you can, choose a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags.

And if you do find yourself in trouble in the water, remember Float to Live. Lean back, ears in the water, spread your arms and legs, and float until the cold water shock passes. Around 90 seconds. Then shout for help or swim to safety.

If you see someone in trouble in the water, call 999 and ask for the coastguard.

Full story in the comments.

23/08/2026

Did you spot us this morning?

This morning we had both out inshore and all weather lifeboats out on exercise with the HM Coastguard helicopter- keeping our volunteers skills up to date so they can deal with all challenges.

If you are interested in making a difference by volunteering at Harwich, drop us a DM to find out more.

14/08/2026

10/08/2026

Our next monthly coffee morning is Harwich Town Sailing Club on Friday. Do come along for great company and the best home-made cake whilst supporting Harwich Lifeboat saving lives at sea.

07/08/2026

🚤 If you're heading out on a jet ski or personal watercraft, please help us keep Harwich Harbour safe for everyone.🌊

⚠️Know before you go:

⚓ Jet skiing, personal watercraft (e.g. paddleboarders, kayaks etc) and water skiing are strictly prohibited in the Harwich Harbour, unless you have written permission from the Harbour Master (Harbour Byelaw 51).

🐢 Remember - the speed limit is 8 knots max in the harbour and 5 knots in the vicinity of the Ha'Penny Pier.

🚢 Always stay well clear of large commercial vessels. They have limited ability to manoeuvre and may not be able to see smaller craft.

📘 Download our FREE Leisure Guide for everything you need to know before heading out on the water, including harbour rules and safety information:https://hha.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/14400-HHA-Leisure-Guide-2026-Web.pdf

⚠️ If you see a vessel or watercraft being operated unsafely, please report it to us when it is safe to do so by calling Harwich VTS on 01255 243030 or VHF 71.

Let's all do our part to keep our harbour safe and enjoyable for everyone.

⚓ Stay safe. Stay aware. Respect the harbour rules.

Byelaws available here;https://hha.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Byelaws.pdf

07/08/2026

Thanks to all those who attended our open day last weekend, it was great to see so many people here and showing an interest in the work that our volunteers do.

If this has inspired you to give a little back, take a look at the volunteering opportunities we have here and locally - https://rnli.org/support-us/volunteer/volunteering-opportunities?display=Grid&resultsPerPage=16&lat=51.934731&lon=1.260297&radius=1000&location=harwich

02/08/2026

💡Harwich High Lighthouse illumination to celebrate RNLI Harwich Lifeboat Station open day, today, Saturday 1st August.

30/07/2026

Don't forget it's our Open Day this Saturday the 1st of August form 10am, come along and meet some of the crew, explore the lifeboat station and see the boats. Plus partner agencies will be here including the Essex Police launch, The Maritime and Coastguard Agency and others.

14/07/2026

Just after 9pm on Friday our volunteer crew were called out to the River Deben, where two people had been swept out to sea near the Woodbridge Haven buoy on an inflatable kayak and paddle board.

Conditions were calm, light breeze, clear skies, flat water, but the tide near the sand bar was moving fast and pulling them further out. Both were exhausted, and neither was wearing a lifejacket, by the time our lifeboat, Tierney, Harvey and Sonny Reid, reached them.

It took the crew a couple of attempts to get close enough in the shallow water, but they got both men aboard, checked them over, and brought them ashore to the Coastguard at Bawdsey. We believe that if the crew hadn't reached them when they did, this could have had a very different outcome.

Helm Leam Donn said it's a good reminder: whatever you're heading out on the water in, always wear a lifejacket and take a means of calling for help.

Two lives saved, and another reminder of why our volunteers train the way they do.