Holbrook Coastguard Rescue Team

Holbrook Coastguard Rescue Team The Holbrook Coastguard Rescue Team is on call 24 hours a day-365 days a year. In a coastal, beach or mud incident call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

Holbrook Coastguard Rescue team was formed in 1996. Originally based at the Royal Hospital School in Holbrook, Suffolk it was comprised of Staff and Students and was one of only four teams in the UK to be made up of adults and young people in this way. We moved to our current base at the Royal Harwich Yacht Club in May 2011. Nowadays the team made up of ten volunteers from across the Shotley Penin

sular in Suffolk, all of whom have full time jobs or commitments, and give their time, skills and efforts willingly and without salary. As an emergency service Coastguard Rescue Teams (CRT's) respond to 999 call outs to perform Search & Rescue, Water Rescue, Mud Rescue and and work with other emergency services and neighbouring CRT's in joint response to incidents. We also work closely with the RNLI for example to rescue vessels in difficulty and get them and their crew to a place of safety. The team is fully trained and equipped to carry out search and rescue operations across the Peninsular and beyond and can be called out by the Maritime Operations Centre at any time of the day or night, in all weathers, to assist those in trouble or missing, to seek confirmation or further information of a report, or to any emergency that requires our resources. Where needed we can also request the assistance of colleagues from neighbouring teams or the Coastguard helicopter which provides a fantastic service to all CRT's in the South East.

17/07/2026
14/07/2026

Think before you leap ⚠️

You don’t always know what you’re jumping into.

Tombstoning from piers, cliffs, rocks or other structures into the sea can be extremely dangerous.

The depth of the water can dramatically change with the tide, and what was a deep pool at lunchtime might be a shallow puddle by teatime.

Hidden hazards may be lurking beneath the surface, and you may not know they’re there until you’re hurt or worse.

Cold water shock may make it difficult to swim to safety, and strong currents can quickly sweep you away.

In an emergency at the coast, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard 📞

07/06/2026
22/05/2026
03/04/2026

In a coastal emergency, minutes matter. Could you tell someone exactly where you are if you or a loved one needed help?

When you call 999 and ask for the Coastguard, one of the first questions you’ll be asked is: “where are you?”. The moment you provide this information; the teams will dispatch the most appropriate responders. We have world-class systems to help us, but valuable time can be saved if you can give some location details.

There are very simple ways, as well as more advanced options, to help you stay safe and know your location.

• Before you leave: Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return.

• Safety signs and location: Look for local safety signs depicting beach names and location references. Take a picture of local landmarks such as car park names and buildings.

• Location apps: Know how to use your location apps. Many smartphones now have a Global Positioning System (GPS) installed which pinpoints geographical locations.

• Mobile phone: Make sure your mobile is fully charged, ideally in a waterproof case. It’s also worth taking a power pack so you can recharge your phone, especially if your activities involve heavy battery use.

If you can tell us exactly where you are, rescuers can be sent more quickly. It could save a life.

In an emergency at the coast, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

Today we celebrate International Women’s Day and recognise the women volunteering and working full-time across HM Coastg...
08/03/2026

Today we celebrate International Women’s Day and recognise the women volunteering and working full-time across HM Coastguard.

Women have historically been underrepresented in search and rescue services, only being officially allowed to join HM Coastguard in 1970.

Here at Holbrook Coastguard Rescue Team, we are proud to have two volunteer Coastguard Rescue Officers, Caroline and Faye. Both are a valued part of our team, bringing dedication, skill and commitment to every incident we respond to.

Thank you for everything you do to help keep our coastline safe. 🌊🚨

24/01/2026

Tasking 002.

🚨 Overnight Search 🚨

At 00:48 last night, Felixstowe Lifeboat was tasked by HM Coastguard following reports of a missing person - our second tasking of the year.

Our volunteer crew worked alongside Holbrook, Felixstowe and Shingle Street Coastguard Rescue Teams, as well as Suffolk Police, as part of a coordinated search.

The missing person was located and accounted for.

Following the tasking, the lifeboat was washed down, refuelled, and made ready for service once again by our shore support - ready to respond when needed.

05/01/2026

Every month, our Coastguard Rescue Teams carry out Operational Readiness Checks.

The teams inspect rescue equipment, vehicles, and station buildings to ensure all essentials are present, clean, undamaged, correctly stored, and in good condition overall.

This helps keep teams fully prepared to respond as quickly as possible in times of need.

Happy Christmas from Holbrook CRT 💙
24/12/2025

Happy Christmas from Holbrook CRT 💙

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