Wells RNLI

Wells RNLI Keep up to date with the volunteer crew, lifeboats, fundraising, station events and water safety.

Three years ago today, our new lifeboat station officially opened its doors.What a fantastic three years it has been. Th...
03/06/2026

Three years ago today, our new lifeboat station officially opened its doors.

What a fantastic three years it has been. There has been plenty of change, growth and development along the way, but one thing has remained the same we stand together as one crew.

From our lifeboat crew, shore crew, visits team, fundraisers, shop volunteers and water safety team, to our supporters, local businesses and everyone who continues to champion Wells RNLI thank you.

Your time, generosity, kindness and support help keep our lifesaving work going, and we are incredibly proud to be part of such a special community.

Here’s to three years in our new home, and to everyone who makes Wells RNLI what it is.
One station. One crew. One lifesaving family.

03/06/2026

We’ve reached an incredible 11,000 followers, and we’d like to say a heartfelt thank you to every one of you for your support.

Whether you engage with our posts, share our water safety messages, support our fundraising, visit the station, volunteer, donate, or simply help raise awareness of the RNLI, you are helping us make a real difference.

This page allows us to share vital water safety advice, celebrate our dedicated volunteers, highlight rescues and training, and give an insight into the lifesaving work carried out by Wells RNLI.

To help us reach even more people with these important messages, we’d be so grateful if you could share our page and invite others to follow us. Every new follower helps us spread water safety advice further and showcase the incredible work of our volunteer crew and supporters.

Thank you for being part of our Wells RNLI community and helping us continue to save lives at sea. 💙

Do you understand enough about the tides to stay safe?Understanding about the tides can help to avoid lots of issues, su...
02/06/2026

Do you understand enough about the tides to stay safe?

Understanding about the tides can help to avoid lots of issues, such as tidal cut off, being swept off shore by the currents, etc.

We created one longer video ~20 mins containing everything & 4 shorter ones taking one topic at a time which are only a few minutes long.
They cover
- Part 1: how and why the tide times move on approx 50 mins each day,
- Part 2 how and why the tide heights change every day,
- Part 3 how and why the tide doesn't come in at a constant speed and finally,
- Part 4 a recap giving you the quick version

Learning about tides and follow the links in the comments 💙

This Volunteers’ Week, we’re celebrating the incredible volunteers who make Wells RNLI what it is.From crew and shore cr...
01/06/2026

This Volunteers’ Week, we’re celebrating the incredible volunteers who make Wells RNLI what it is.
From crew and shore crew, to visits, fundraising, shop and water safety volunteers every person plays a vital part in helping us save lives at sea.

Behind every launch, event, school visit, shop sale and safety conversation is someone giving their time to support our station and community.
We’re so proud and grateful for everything our volunteers do.

Could you be part of our team?
There are so many ways to get involved and you don’t need previous experience, just enthusiasm and a willingness to help.

Join us and make a difference.💙

On Sunday 31 May, Wells RNLI volunteer crew launched to assist four people who became cut off by the incoming tide near ...
31/05/2026

On Sunday 31 May, Wells RNLI volunteer crew launched to assist four people who became cut off by the incoming tide near the harbour entrance.

Humber Coastguard requested an immediate launch of the inshore lifeboat after two people became stranded on a sandbank to the west of the harbour entrance channel. Inshore lifeboat Peter Wilcox launched at 5.20pm and quickly brought them safely ashore.

While the crew were checking the area for anyone else at risk, a further report was received of two more people cut off by the rising tide on the foreshore west of the harbour entrance. The inshore lifeboat located them and returned them safely to the beach.

Thankfully, all four casualties were safe and well.

As we head into the busy summer season, please remember that North Norfolk's tides can move incredibly quickly and channels can fill faster than expected. Even on a warm, sunny day, it is easy to become cut off by the tide.

Our coastline is constantly changing, and channels that appear shallow can quickly become deep and fast-flowing. We always encourage visitors to check tide times, pay attention to local safety signage and leave plenty of time to return to shore.

If you see someone in difficulty at the coast, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard. If you end up in the water unexpectedly, remember to Float to Live: tilt your head back, relax, and try to control your breathing.

A huge thank you to our volunteer crew who responded swiftly to bring all four casualties safely back ashore.

Please check the tide times before heading to the beach and plan your visit carefully.The tide can move quickly at Wells...
31/05/2026

Please check the tide times before heading to the beach and plan your visit carefully.

The tide can move quickly at Wells, filling channels and cutting people off from the safety of the main beach.

Please make sure you are back on dry sand or land at least four hours before Wells Bar high tide. Do not attempt to wade or swim through channels, as the water may be deeper and faster-flowing than it appears.

Always check local signage, listen for the siren and follow advice from the beach wardens.
In an emergency, dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

Wells RNLI volunteers were tasked by Humber Coastguard on Saturday 30 May after reports of five people cut off by the in...
31/05/2026

Wells RNLI volunteers were tasked by Humber Coastguard on Saturday 30 May after reports of five people cut off by the incoming tide at Brancaster, opposite the NCI lookout. National Coastwatch Brancaster

The inshore lifeboat Peter Wilcox launched from Wells lifeboat station at 3.50pm with a volunteer crew of three and headed towards Brancaster.

Although the Coastguard later reported that the group had managed to return safely to the main beach, there was some uncertainty about the total number of people involved. The volunteer crew continued to the scene to carry out a thorough check of the area and ensure nobody remained at risk.

After confirming that the beach was clear, the lifeboat was stood down and returned to Wells, coming ashore at 5.01pm.

Mandy Humphreys, Wells RNLI Water Safety Officer, said: ‘We are pleased that everyone was safely accounted for. Tides can change quickly and areas of beach that were accessible earlier can become cut off by deep water and fast-flowing channels.

‘If you find yourself cut off by the tide, please do not put yourself in greater danger by attempting to wade or swim back to shore. The water may be deeper, colder and faster-moving than it appears, and conditions can change very quickly. Move to the safest location available, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard, and wait for help.

‘Before heading out, always check the tide times, keep an eye on your surroundings and allow plenty of time to return safely to dry land.’

Wells RNLI launches to assist disabled fishing skiff off CleyWells RNLI’s volunteer crew launched on Friday morning aft...
30/05/2026

Wells RNLI launches to assist disabled fishing skiff off Cley

Wells RNLI’s volunteer crew launched on Friday morning after two people onboard an 18ft fishing skiff suffered mechanical failure approximately one mile north of Cley beach Friday 29 May.

Humber Coastguard requested the launch of Wells inshore lifeboat Peter Wilcox at 8.47am. The lifeboat launched from Wells boathouse at 8.58am and made its way towards the casualty vessel.

Once alongside, the crew carried out an on-scene assessment. The skiff was disabled, those onboard were unable to restart the engine, and they could not return safely to shore by their own means.

Although a guard vessel was in the area, it was unable to safely reach a position to recover the skiff to the beach. With no other suitable craft nearby, and following consultation with Humber Coastguard, a tow was agreed as the safest option.

The tow began at 9.29am and the skiff was safely returned to Cley beach and recovered onto its trailer at 9.40am.

Chris Hardy, Wells RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager, said: ‘While towing is not undertaken as a matter of routine, in this case it was clear that a tow was the safest way to resolve the situation. It helped prevent further risk to the people onboard, avoided the vessel remaining disabled offshore, and reduced the risk of the skiff becoming more of a navigational hazard to other water users.’

The inshore lifeboat returned via Holkham beach for a low water recovery and was refuelled, rehoused and ready again for service at 11.10am.

Heading to sea? Make sure your vessel is well maintained, carry a reliable means of calling for help, and tell someone ashore where you are going and when you expect to return.

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

The third call-out of a very busy day for Wells RNLI.At 3.41pm on Thursday 28 May, Humber Coastguard paged Wells RNLI in...
29/05/2026

The third call-out of a very busy day for Wells RNLI.

At 3.41pm on Thursday 28 May, Humber Coastguard paged Wells RNLI inshore lifeboat Peter Wilcox to assist a solo paddleboarder in difficulty offshore from Brancaster Harbour entrance.

Wells inshore lifeboat launched with three volunteer crew on board. As the south-easterly wind increased, Wells RNLI’s Shannon class all-weather lifeboat Duke of Edinburgh was also launched to provide additional safety cover and support.

Wells volunteer lifeboat crew quickly located the paddle-boarder around one mile seaward of the main beach, lying flat on the board and being rapidly blown further offshore by the strong wind.

The casualty was brought safely aboard the inshore lifeboat and taken to Brancaster beach, where they were handed into the care of the waiting Coastguard Rescue Team.

James Betteridge, Wells RNLI inshore lifeboat helm, said: ‘We are very relieved that we were able to locate the casualty quickly and bring them safely ashore.

‘We never judge anyone who needs our help. The coast and weather can change quickly, and situations like this can happen to anyone. We hope by sharing this rescue, it helps others understand how quickly offshore winds can become dangerous.’

Wells RNLI sends its very best wishes to the casualty and hopes they are doing well.

Paddleboarding safety advice:
Always check the weather, tide times and wind direction before heading out. Avoid offshore winds, wear a suitable buoyancy aid, carry a means of calling for help, and tell someone where you are going.

If you see someone in difficulty at the coast, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

The second call-out of a very busy day for Wells RNLI.At 1.59pm on Thursday 28 May, Humber Coastguard paged Wells RNLI i...
29/05/2026

The second call-out of a very busy day for Wells RNLI.

At 1.59pm on Thursday 28 May, Humber Coastguard paged Wells RNLI inshore lifeboat Peter Wilcox to reports of five young people at risk of being cut off by the incoming tide near Wells Harbour buoys No.1 and No.2.

Wells inshore lifeboat was preparing to launch when NCI Wells next the Sea reported that the group had safely made it back to the main beach.

With the beach very busy, Wells RNLI volunteers continued to monitor the area to help ensure no other beachgoers were at risk.

The tide at Wells can come in quickly and channels can fill faster than expected. Please check tide times before heading out, stay aware of your surroundings, and return to dry sand or land at least four hours before Wells Bar high tide.

If you see someone in difficulty at the coast, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

Wells RNLI would like to thank the volunteers at NCI Wells for their vigilance and continued support in helping keep people safe along the North Norfolk coast.

Address

Wells Lifeboat Station
Wells Next The Sea
NR231DR

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 4pm
Friday 10am - 4pm
Saturday 10am - 4pm
Sunday 10am - 4pm

Telephone

+441328710230

Website

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