RNLI Margate lifeboat

30/08/2026

🚨CALL OUT🚨
The D class lifeboat was tasked around 4pm today (Sunday 30 August) after UK Coastguard received a report of a kayaker appearing to have difficulties returning to shore off St Mildred’s Bay, Westgate, the occupant of the kayak was reported to be in the water. Margate Coastguard Rescue Team also responded.

Upon the arrival of the lifeboat and coastguard team it was established the kayaker had managed to reach shore unaided and after consulting with local RNLI lifeguards the rescue units were stood down and returned to station. We thank the person who reported this, incidents where people are in difficulties and actually in the water are especially urgent – if you see anyone in difficulties on the coastline or in the sea dial 999 and ask for the coastguard.

27/08/2026

Well done to you all, and for all you do. A thank you for backing up our operations and working alongside us.

From everyone at Margate Lifeboat Station 🧡

26/08/2026

Did you see us out on the water? 🚤🌊

Margate’s Atlantic 85 B-930 ‘Colonel Stock’ launched on exercise last Sunday - performing anchoring and veering in Westgate Bay, as well as some local navigation - which included some good old paper chart work!

Pictured below is the crew - Guy, Greg, Tash and Richard!

All these skills are crucial for our volunteer crews, in order to be prepared to launch at a moments notice to those in need.

23/08/2026

🔩 STATION BUILD UPDATE 🏗️

Margate’s new lifeboat station is really starting to take shape! The metal frame is up, so you can get a feel for the size of the building, boat hall, the shop/crew room and the new extension/lifeguard area on the side.

The next step will be the installation of scaffolding to complete the external structure.

🙌 This new £3.5m build is essential to help Margate RNLI continue its crucial lifesaving work for many years to come.

If you would like to donate to our station appeal, please use the link found in the comments below! ⬇️🔗

21/08/2026

📻Listen in!📻

Tune in later today to hear our Lifeboat Operations Manager Derek 'Del' Amas talk about what is happening at Margate lifeboat station. Del talks about the work of our volunteers, the busy summer season we are having and some sea safety information. He also gives an update on the current newbuild lifeboat station project which at last is appearing above the ground!

You can here the interview by tuning in to Broadstairs Radio at 5.30pm this evening - Friday 21 August. It can be accessed by this link

Community Radio for Broadstairs, Thanet, Kent.

18/08/2026

SAVING LIVES AT SEA IS BACK! - SERIES 11

Tune in to BBC Two, Tuesday at 8pm 📽️📸

The Porthcawl crew respond to a 999 call about a local fisherman who’s fallen overboard. As they discover the casualty’s identity, their search becomes increasingly desperate.

18/08/2026

🚨CALL OUT🚨

Margate RNLI’s D class lifeboat along with Margate and Herne Bay Coastguard Rescue Teams were tasked around 4pm today (Tuesday 18 August) after HM Coastguard received reports that three dogs had fallen from cliffs at Reculver, two people were also reported as possibly in difficulties attempting a rescue. It was approaching high water at the time and Margate’s B class lifeboat was placed on standby to back up the D class if required.

Before the lifeboat launched it was established that the two persons and the dogs had made their way to safety assisted by other people on the beach, the rescue units were stood down and returned to station.

17/08/2026

🚨CALL OUT🚨

The D class inshore lifeboat was tasked around 9am today following concerns for the welfare of a yacht anchored close inshore off Margate.

Another passing yacht contacted HM Coastguard stating they felt the yacht may be dragging its anchor with no one appearing to be on board. They were also unable to contact the vessel by radio.

Once alongside the yacht in question the lifeboat crew established that all was well on board and that their anchor was holding. The lifeboat was stood down and returned to station.

As the yacht had been in the location for several days with no apparent contact the concern for those on board was well-founded. We are always happy to check out such situations rather than assume everything is well but with a different outcome.

15/08/2026

🚒One of our fantastic fundraising volunteers, Trevor Boston, has taken on a challenge that’s far outside his comfort zone to support our new station appeal - helping to fund Margate's brand new lifeboat station.

🪜Today, Saturday 15th August, Trevor scaled a 105-foot fire engine turntable ladder at the Biddenden Tractorfest to help raise money for our new lifeboat station.

Our current “temporary” station has been in use since the 1980s, and our crews are now fundraising for a modern £3.5 million station to house our lifeboats, lifeguards, tractors, equipment and new training facilities.

If you know Trevor, you’ll know this is no small feat for him. He is not a fan of heights and gets dizzy standing on a chair, so climbing more than 100 feet into the air really is a challenge!

If you’re heading to Tractorfest, make sure you cheer him on. If you’d like to support Trev and help Margate RNLI reach its goal, you can donate here:

https://www.justgiving.com/page/trevor-boston-1

Well done Trevor, from all at Margate, and thank you for taking on this challenge to help fund our station! 🧡

13/08/2026

Did you manage to witness Wednesday’s solar eclipse? 🌓☀️?

Our D class lifeboat launched on exercise with the appropriate PPE - solar viewing glasses - which gave our volunteer crew a unique way to watch the eclipse.

Here you can see Chris, Elliot, Tash and Ollie enjoying the eclipse, before continuing on with the planned exercise that evening.