News

11 Jan 10 - New website coming 

Observant visitors will have noticed the site is a bit out of date in places, notably the description of where the lifeboat station is, now the new one is operational.  As we are in the process of re-building the site onto a different platform, we will put off the updates until the new site is ready.

23 Nov 09 - Exmouth RNLI lifeboat station now fully operational. 

Exmouth RNLI celebrated this weekend, as the new lifeboat station was passed as ‘Fully Operational’ by Adrian Carey, RNLI Divisional Inspector for the South.  

Adrian announced the good news to the crew on Friday 21^st November.  He commented: “It was clear to me that all was going smoothly on Friday. The lifeboat crew and shorehelpers are fully trained and confident in launch and recovery procedures and it was a pleasure to inform them of the good news. The main operational change at Exmouth involves launching and recovering the all-weather lifeboat over the beach using a tractor and carriage. This is a procedure that requires the crew to follow safe and rehearsed procedures which I am pleased to say I was able to witness on Friday. I am also now fully satisfied that the excellent new facility at Exmouth lifeboat station is ready to be used operationally by both the inshore and all-weather lifeboats. My thanks go to all who have made this possible and the local support for the volunteers who keep the station going is very much appreciated. The future of our 24 hour availability at Exmouth is now secure.”  

Marking the ending of an era, the inshore lifeboat “George Bearman” left the old inshore lifeboat station for the last time in the old stations 106 years history of housing a lifeboat there. The original lifeboat house in Exmouth dates back a further 100 years.  

Adrian added; “The RNLI operates a truly joined up lifesaving service at Exmouth and I am looking forward to our lifeguards making use of the facilities that have now been made available by vacating our previous inshore lifeboat facility. This will now become a much needed Area Support Centre for the life guarded beaches in the local area, further enhancing the efficiency of our vital services.”  

Up until now, if lifeboat crew turned up to the old inshore lifeboat station and it turned out the all weather lifeboat was also needed, the crew would find themselves dashing from one place to another. Lifeboatman Robert Thompson who has been on the crew for 13 years commented: “It was sad to leave there in some ways because of the all the history associated with the old station, but to have both boats housed under one roof is going to be so much better.”  

He added: “The amount of times we would come back cold and wet from a rescue in the middle of the night, the toilets next door were locked up and there was no shower facilities. With the new boathouse, we will be able to be have showers and make hot drinks - a lot more comfortable, not just for us but for anyone we rescue too.”  

As the inshore lifeboat was about to go into the new boathouse on Friday, the crew spotted a kitesurfer in difficulties. They assisted the kitesurfer back to shore. This turned out to be their first rescue from the new boathouse.  

Since its’ inception in 2002, the new boathouse has been supported fully by East Devon District Council. Darryl Nicholas, Mayor of Exmouth commented: “We are pleased to hear the new boathouse is fully operational. This is great news for Exmouth as a whole, something the town should be very proud of.” 

The all weather lifeboat left its mooring on the estuary and both lifeboats now sit proudly in the boathouse with all crew equipment stored in temperature controlled changing rooms. The mechanics workshop, situated between the two boat halls, now means any maintenance or repair work can be carried out with relative ease.  

Tim Mock, Coxswain/Mechanic at Exmouth RNLI said: “It is a very proud moment in my career to be involved in a new state-of-the-art boathouse. To have been involved with the concept, design and build phase was challenging but equally rewarding.”  

Kevin Riley, Lifeboat Operations Manager at Exmouth RNLI was pleased with how the day went, he said: “The first phone call I made after Adrian declared we were operational in the new station was to Brixham Coastguard. This was a call I had been looking forward to making. I know we have one of the best boathouses in the country and one the crew and town needed to allow us to be operational 24 hours a day - and provide the service of saving lives at sea 24/7 every week of the year. To have our volunteer crews out of those cabins and into these new facilities is such an asset. All this would not have been possible without the generous donations from the public, whether that be pennies in the tin or tens of thousands of pounds, we should all be very proud of what has been achieved.”  

He added: “The official opening of the Boathouse is planned for 2010. No official date has been declared at this time, it’s important for the crew to settle in to the new building first before announcing a date.”

20 Nov 09 - Exmouth RNLI crew at a fundraiser when called out on a stormy night. 

Exe Sailing Club members saw first hand the call of duty, when Exmouth RNLI lifeboat crew attending their fundraising evening had to dash out of the door – because their pagers went off. 

Brixham Coastguards tasked the all weather lifeboat Margaret Jean on Thursday 19^th November at 9.56pm to investigate a ten metre motor boat, with two men on board, reported to have run into mechanical difficulties in the estuary. 

On arrival at the scene the lifeboat crew discovered the motorboat had been towing another boat and at some point the ropes and lines got entwined and one of the vessels had sunk. The volunteer crew attempted to free the lines, but this proved too difficult as the lines were submerged. With winds south to south westerly at 25 to 35 knots the volunteer crew took the two men to safety on shore where they could make their arrangements to retrieve the boats the next day. 

Earlier in the evening, Commodore of Exe Sailing Club, Mrs Frankie Upton presented Tim Mock, Coxswain/mechanic at Exmouth RNLI with a £2612.64 cheque for the charity. She said; “We had a great evening and a good turn out for this important event. We raised the money through two events, an RNLI Yacht Race and the Champagne Challenge to Brixham. The rest came through donations collected during annual subscriptions."

Cheque presented by ESC Commodore Mrs Frankie Upton to Lifeboat Cox Tim Mock (Photo:  Mike Rice)

16 Nov 09 - Exmouth RNLI investigates concern for safety of windsurfer.

A member of the public alerted the emergency services when windsurfing equipment was found close to the high water mark in Exmouth on Thursday 12^th November – with the owner nowhere to be seen.  

Brixham Coastguards tasked Exmouth RNLI to carry out a search of the seafront at 1.08pm. The all-weather lifeboat Margaret Jean was launched as there was a force 6 wind with squalls and reduced visibility along with a moderate to rough sea. As the volunteer lifeboat crew checked the area, the owner of the windsurfing gear - who had been on land - returned to his equipment and met with local coastguards. The lifeboat crew were stood down.  

Kevin Riley, Lifeboat Operations Manager at Exmouth RNLI said; “This is similar to an incident shown in the summer on Seaside Rescue in which crew were searching an area after fishing and personal equipment was found on rocks near the sea. In that case the owner had left it there to return later and it caused a lot of concern.”  

He added: “In this incident in Exmouth, it was a good call by the member of the public because if you see equipment so close to the water, it could have indicated someone was in trouble at sea and that their equipment had floated in.“  

Kevin advises sea users to leave any unattended equipment far up from the high water mark to avoid causing concern.

6 Nov 09 - Appeal for historical lifeboat items.  

Exmouth RNLI is appealing for photographs connected to previous lifeboats, crew and boathouses in Exmouth. Melanie Mock, Coxswain’s wife, is planning to create an historical record for the new lifeboat station at Exmouth.  

Many items from the old Exmouth inshore lifeboat station have now been given pride of place at the new boathouse including details models, the ‘Volunteer’ Inn sign, various plaques and also service boards. Newly mounted photographs of every Exmouth Coxswain are sited in the main lifeboat hall, over looking the all-weather lifeboat.  

Photo: Melanie Mock

Melanie said; “We would like to mount a series of photographs depicting boats, events and incidents around the Exmouth area, and need the help of the local community once again. It does not matter if the nature of the event or names of the people are unknown, we are happy to research the history.”  

Any photos that people are able to find and loan to Exmouth RNLI would be handled with the greatest of care. Knowing these are likely to be part of a precious memories collection, Exmouth RNLI would like, with permission, to copy them and return the originals to the owners.  

Melanie is also interested in finding out about a local man Mr Thomas Pincombe Jr. She said; “He was a local pilot and in 1851 was awarded an RNLI Silver Medal for his bravery in the rescuing of the crew of a schooner foundering on the Pole Sands. We would love to learn more details of this heroic act. We are hoping someone knew the family?”  

She added; “ Also, if anyone has kept the Naming Ceremony Programmes from any of our lifeboats prior to 1980 – we would be extremely interested in seeing them also.”  

If anyone can help they can contact Melanie Mock on 07971 512383 or email Melanie.mock@sky.com. Alternatively contact Jo Damsell, Lifeboat Press Officer on 07551 635363.

2 Nov 09 - Roundup of Recent Guild Events

The Craft Fair at Bicton Open Day 13 June was a very busy day for helpers which made a profit of approx £800.  We will be back at Bicton again on June 12 next year so look out for details and come along and give us your support.

Brandon House Open Garden 28 June - not such a good attendance as last year but about £396 profit.

Open Gardens at Budleigh Salterton 19 July - Three kind owners opened their gardens for us and we raised £790

Exmouth and Budleigh Flag Days - A great result - Exmouth £790.31 and Budleigh £402.84

Station Open Day - The Guild were in attendance at the new boat house selling donated goods etc.  Profit about £420.

The Lifeboat Ball at the Pavilion - another sellout, raising approximately £2,000.

Exmouth Carnival - our share of the collection was £139

Thanks to everyone who helped with these events

Shop News - the new shop has been well supported by locals and visitors.  September sales figure was £8,965, up £2,600 on last year.  The shop will now operate on winter times:  11:00 am to 4.00 pm, depending on weather and/or customers.

25 Oct 09 - Successful launching trials herald a new era for Exmouth’s new RNLI lifeboat station

The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) has successfully completed a practical trial of the launching ramp at the new Exmouth lifeboat station, following investigations after it was damaged during earlier trials.  It is now hoped that minor improvements to the structure will rectify the issues that had caused the charity concern and that the boathouse will soon be fully operational.  

Core samples of the ramp beams used in the construction were taken after a number of pieces of concrete broke off during training sessions when the lifeboat was being taken up to the boathouse on its carriage.  These have now proved that the beams comply with the regulatory and strict building standards set. As a result of this, the RNLI turned their attention to the design of the surface profile of the ramp and yesterday, Thursday 22 October 2009) successfully trialled a modified section of the ramp designed to both improve the traction between the ramp itself and the lifeboat rig and to prevent further damage.

Howard Richings, Head of RNLI Estates Management, explains:  

‘We adjusted the level of a small number of the beams that make up the deck of the launch ramp and also locked them together. This gave the ramp a more even surface that, it was hoped, would improve the traction of the tractor used to move the all-weather lifeboat and minimise vibration and the areas of the beams exposed to damaging pressures. I’m pleased to say this worked extremely well and our plan is to now apply the adjustments to the rest of the upper section of the ramp. This work will begin next Monday (26 October) and, given good weather, should be completed within two weeks after which the new facilities should become fully operational.’    

Nigel Jones, RNLI Deputy Divisional Inspector, says the future is now looking extremely positive:  

‘As soon as the work is completed we hope to move swiftly toward moving in Exmouth’s two lifeboats. In the meantime, the new lifeboat station is now home to the RNLI shop, which reports excellent trade, and is also the administrative base for the Coxswain and lifeboat management team. Both Exmouth’s all weather and inshore lifeboats continue to remain fully operational and have done so successfully throughout the summer and early autumn.  

10 Oct 09 - Exmouth RNLI lifeboats launch for swimmers in difficulty but turns out to be a hoax call.  

Brixham Coastguards were called on Saturday 10^th October, by a man referring to himself as ‘Simon James’ who reported seeing two swimmers in difficulty in the Exe Estuary.  It later turned out to be a hoax call.

Exmouth RNLI were alerted, as were other local emergency services. The RNLI all weather lifeboat, ‘Margaret Jean’, the inshore lifeboat ‘George Bearman’ and the boarding boat were tasked at 9.01 am to look for the swimmers. After an hour of searching, Brixham Coastguards became suspicious when they received a second call to say the swimmers were safe and well at ‘lock gates’, a place name not recognised locally.

When they tried to call the man back on his mobile, he could not be reached. It transpired that the call was made from a pay as you go phone bought only days earlier and where the only two calls made had both been to the emergency services.

Mark Clark, The Maritime & Coastguard Agency Duty Press Officer said; ”We are going to release a recording of this man’s voice to the media on Monday in the hope someone will recognise his voice. If anyone has any information on this incident they can contact Brixham Coastguards in confidence on 01803 882704.”

At Exmouth RNLI, nine volunteer crew and the Deputy Launching Authority responded to the shout, leaving behind their work or families to attend to what they believed to be a genuine call.

Exmouth RNLI Deputy Launching Authority Neil Hurlock said; “The lifeboat will always respond, because that is what they do. This hoax caller created an awful waste of valuable volunteer’s time and resources as well as the publics money that funds the RNLI charity.”

7 Oct 09 - Exmouth RNLI Ball - another successful night.  

Another successful RNLI lifeboat ball was held at Exmouth Pavillion on Saturday September 26^th, raising around £2,000 for the lifesaving charity. Guests danced the night away, played on the fun casino and enjoyed a four course meal, all for a reasonable £30 a ticket.  Music was provided by Street Heat and Jive Jacks.

Chairman of the Lifeboat Ball Committee and lifeboatman Ian Taylor said: “In this current economic climate, it was good to see so many people turn out for this event and we thank them for their generosity in helping to support the lifesaving charity. My thanks go to all those who helped, including fellow organisers Don Hodgkinson and Alice Vicary.”

An auction and raffle helped to further boost the funds raised that night. 

Photo - Emma Crane, Exmouth  Photo Services

7 Oct 09 - The Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes raise £2,000 for Exmouth RNLI.

The Exeter Province of the Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes (RAOB) presented a cheque to Exmouth RNLI for £2,000 on Friday October 1^st.

RAOB secretary David Moore ROH said; “We chose Exmouth RNLI because they were having a new station and we thought that a little extra would help with other purchase of equipment they might need, and we wanted the money to go to our local RNLI, not national.”

Maurice Clarke of the RAOB was the main officer for the year and oversaw the fundraising. He commented; “It was approved by all that the appeal would be Exmouth RNLI, we had raffles, darts, skittles and pool within our Province and raised the figure of £2000 with the help of family and friends. I was given a small RNLI teddy Bear and that alone raised £400 from members and friends.”

David added; “The members throughout the world have always supported others with a need. With the RNLI in the past, we have purchased two boats for them. In the West Country we have supported within our Province from Lyme Regis down to Exmouth RNLI with donation.”  

The group had a tour around the boat and a talk on the RNLI by Deputy Coxswain Giles White. Giles said; “We are very pleased to receive this donation. There are always ongoing costs in running a lifeboat station, for instance it costs around £1,000 a year to train a volunteer lifeboat crew member.”

Photo - David J Moore

29 Aug 09 - Exmouth RNLI Open Day attracts hundreds of visitors.  

The annual Lifeboat open day at Exmouth was hailed a success as hundreds of people visited the all weather lifeboat Margaret Jean, moored at Exmouth docks, and around a thousand people visited the newly built boathouse near Maer Rocks. Visitors were able to look around the new inshore lifeboat hall, crew changing rooms and main boat hall.

The RNLI shop, also housed in the new building was busy with people purchasing goods and enjoying the views from the upstairs viewing gallery. Inside the main boathouse hall Exmouth and Budleigh Salterton RNLI Guild held various stalls including bric a brac, a raffle and a popular ‘guess the buttons in a bottle’ competition - eventually won by Judy Turner, guessing the correct amount was 924.  

The RNLI sea safety team were on hand to offer help and advice to seafarers, as were the RNLI lifeguards and Life First fundraisers. For children visiting the station, there was a chance to pretend to be a crew member by launching a model lifeboat into a paddling pool.

Kevin Riley, Lifeboat Operation Manager for Exmouth RNLI said; “Although the open day was not just about fundraising, the Guild and RNLI shop did a sterling job and raised several hundred pounds for the charity.”

He added “The overall running costs for the RNLI equates to around £2,200 for an inshore lifeboat to be called out and around £5,800 for the all weather lifeboat launch. Crew training costs around £1,000 a year per crewmember. The lifesaving charity relies on the generosity of the general public to continue. By giving our supporters a chance to meet the crew, ask questions and look around the station allows them to gain an insight into the workings of a lifeboat station and importantly, see where their money is being spent. ”

At around 2pm, a beach demo commenced just off Maer Rocks, with both RNLI lifeboats crews and RNLI lifeguards simulating a rescue of a capsized canoe with three persons on board. The demonstration showed how the lifeboat crew and lifeguards work together in these situations and how seamlessly they were able to transfer a casualty from an RNLI rescue water craft to the lifeboat.

The all weather lifeboat then made its way very close to the shore, demonstrating how this Mersey class boat - as opposed to the previous Trent class boat in Exmouth - has a much shallower draft and is more suitable for the constant changing sands in the Exe.

24 people signed up for membership with the RNLI ‘Life First’ fundraisers whereby the first year of their membership will go towards helping Exmouth RNLI.  

Kevin Riley was pleased the day helped attract new RNLI supporters and volunteers. He said; “We are always in need of volunteers and there are many ways to help out, not just in fundraising or as part of the lifeboat crew. We are delighted that the day attracted so much interest and we welcome volunteer enquires at any time.“

Questions were naturally raised about new lifeboat house ramp and when the station will be fully operational. Kevin said: "We had lots of people asking the usual questions about the ramp, which I can understand. The samples of the concrete have now been taken and once we have had the results we will meet with the other agencies and discuss the way to go ahead. This new lifeboat station is to last around a hundred years and so we are dedicated to getting everything working as it should be."



Jo Damsell, Exmouth Lifeboat Press Officer said; “We were lucky with good weather on Saturday and it was nice to see so many people enjoying a day at the beach. We’d like to thank everyone who helped throughout the day and the public for their support.”

She added: ”The RNLI have been very pleased with the media coverage on the beach and sea safety messages prior to the bank holiday weekend and we are happy to report that we didn’t receive one lifeboat shout in Exmouth throughout the three days.”

25 Aug 09 - Dad and child swept out to sea rescued by Exmouth RNLI.  

Exmouth RNLI volunteer crew were tasked by Portland Coastguards on Tuesday 25^th August, to rescue an eight year old girl and her father after they got into difficulties in the sea off Otterton Ledge, Budleigh Salterton. The young girl, Kerys Nash, had been boogie boarding in the river Otter when she was swept out to sea.  

Her father rushed into the sea to help, but with the strong outgoing tide they were both swept further out to sea. The alarm was raised by his sister-in-law who had been watching from the beach.  

Dad, Adam Nash, 29 from Exeter explained; “When I saw Kerys was in trouble, I just stripped off to my jeans and went into get her, thinking it would be about five yards in and I would be able to drag her out. But it was choppy water and it was quite hard to see where she was. I realised I was going to have to be swim to reach her.“  

By the time Adam was able to reach his daughter, the current had taken her about 100 yards out to sea. He said; “I could feel how strong the current was and it was too difficult to get her and I back to shore, as much as we tried. We lay on the board and paddled hoping we could make it back to shore further down the beach but the current didn’t take us that way.”  

Adam found a rock beginning to stick out of the sea as the tide went out and they used that to cling onto until help arrived.  

The Exmouth inshore lifeboat was tasked at 12.26pm and the volunteer crew reached the youngster and her father within ten minutes. Seeing the inshore lifeboat crew coming in the distance, Adam used the white underside of the boogie board as a reflector so they could be found. The RNLI  volunteer crew took them on board the lifeboat but the conditions were very bumpy and they were unable to land them ashore due to the dumping surf at Budleigh.  

The all weather Mersey class lifeboat Margaret Jean launched to transport the cold and shaken casualties back to Exmouth in the warmth of the wheelhouse of the lifeboat.  

Happy to be back safe on dry land, Adam said: “I was relieved my sister-in-law is level headed enough to have contacted the Coastguards when she did. The response time was quick and it’s great to see that the system works so well. We thank everyone involved.”

Adam and Kerys on board the AWB (photo D Perkin)

Exmouth RNLI Open Day - 29 August  

Exmouth RNLI is holding their annual public Open Day on Saturday, 29^th August, at the new boathouse near Maer Rocks – now that the RNLI shop, crew training, administration and communications are operated from the new building.  

As well as the newly equipped RNLI shop, visitors will also be able visit the main boathouse hall and see the Inshore Lifeboat (ILB) and ILB crew, together with the RNLI lifeguards and members of the RNLI sea safety team. The impressive Talus tractor and trailer will be parked outside for people to look over too.  

At approximately 2pm, there will be a sea demonstration just off Maer Rocks with the RNLI Lifeguards and RNLI ILB crew, showing the public how the lifeguards and lifeboat teams work together when necessary. This demo is subject to operational requirements.  

Rory Smith, RNLI Lifeguard supervisor for Exmouth and East Devon said; “There have been a few instances this year where the lifeboat crew and lifeguards have worked together to provide a seamless rescue and this demo will give the general public a flavour of how we work together in these situations.”  

As in previous years, the All Weather Lifeboat (ALB) will be moored at Exmouth Marina between 12 noon – 3pm where volunteer crew will be on hand to show members of the public over the boat and answer any questions. Again this is all subject to operational requirements. Last year the pagers went off during the lifeboat open day and as the visitors left the boat, they were able to witness the speed in which the volunteer crew get ready to carry out their vital rescue work. One gentleman commented upon leaving the boat; “Well this is all quite exciting isn’t it, I wish I could have gone with them!” The ALB crew were tasked that day to a broken down powerboat out to sea in danger of being swamped by large waves.  

The boathouse will be open to the public on Saturday, 29^th August, from 10am.

16 Aug 09:  Exmouth RNLI – a busy day in August.  

Exmouth RNLI volunteer crew had a busy day on Sunday, August 16^th after the inshore lifeboat (ILB) was tasked five times and the all weather lifeboat (ALB) twice.  

The first was at 2.24pm, when the ILB crew were tasked by Brixham Coastguards to a 20ft blue and white speedboat with mechanical failure. The boat, with two persons on board, was towed back to Exmouth.  

At 3.52pm, the ILB crew assisted two people with a broken down jetski at Dawlish Warren. A lifeguard at Dawlish Warren was in assistance when they arrived. The tow rope of their ringo had been ingested into the impellor and the owners were attempting to swim the jetski back to shore. The ILB crew cut the rope and took one of the people and the ringo on board, while other rider stayed on the jetski and was towed back to the beach at Dawlish Warren.  

Before returning to base, the volunteer crew joined in the search with other emergency teams around the Langstone rocks area of Dawlish Warren for a missing middle-aged man who was reported to be in emotional distress. The man was found by police safe and well on land.  

Just as it seemed to go quiet the pagers went off again. This time Portland coastguards were requesting assistance to the aid of a small grey inflatable boat with power failure. Due to the fact that the two persons on board had no navigational equipment, flares or VHF radio finding them proved difficult and they were eventually found about 2 miles off Budleigh Salterton. As the occupants were suffering the effects of cold, the ALB was tasked to provide additional facilities to look after the two casualties. They were taken to shore to be checked over by paramedics, given safety advice by local coastguards and had hot drinks at the new boathouse.  

As the ALB was returning to its mooring, the volunteer crew were tasked to a yacht aground on the sandbanks at Dawlish Warren. They towed the boat clear and it proceeded on its way to Starcross.  

At 7.55pm the Inshore Lifeboat was launched to check on two swimmers reported to be in difficulties in the sea at Exmouth. The crew checked on the two men and gave advice on where best to swim in future. As the two men were competent swimmers, the crew kept watch until they returned to shore.  

ILB crew members who attended the ILB shouts were Carey Wreford, Mark Cockman and Richard Vines with Robert Thompson as tractor driver.  

Kevin Riley, RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager for Exmouth said; “ Both the ALB and ILB crew responded very quickly to each shout. It seemed that no sooner had the ILB volunteer crew started to bring the boat out of the water and onto the trailer then they were paged again. The crew, although a bit tired, were happy to have been able provide assistance to so many people. They did a sterling job”

3 Aug 09 - Exmouth RNLI Lifeboat Management Group welcomes new Chairman.  

Martin Taylor from Topsham has become the new Chairman for Exmouth Lifeboat Management Group (LMG), taking over from Andrew McAusland who served for three years  

The RNLI Lifeboat Management Group oversees the smooth running of the RNLI Lifeboat Station. They meet on a regular basis, receive reports from group members responsible for various aspects of the organisation of the station, and generally ensure that the station is being run efficiently and effectively.

A keen sailor himself, Martin has seen first hand the work that the RNLI volunteer crews do when his boat, a 27ft Cutlass named LADY 'C' was holed near Maer rocks in the early 70’s and he had to call for their assistance. Swift action by the crew of the inshore lifeboat brought a positive result in rescuing the crew and saving the boat.  

Martin has been working as the Topsham representative for the Boathouse Appeal, where in the past three years, all money raised by the Topsham Guild has been put forward for the Exmouth boathouse appeal.  

Kevin Riley, Lifeboat Operations Manager said: “The Operations side of Exmouth Lifeboat Station are really pleased to see Martin Taylor appointed and also wish to pass on our thanks to Andrew McAusland for the time and effort he put in as a volunteer Chairman, he did a sterling job.”  

Martin Taylor commented; “ I am looking forward to taking on this role and helping with the running of one of the South West’s busiest lifeboat stations.”  

27 Jul 09 - RNLI coffee morning at Anchor House, Topsham raises over £3,000 for Exmouth RNLI.  

The owners of Anchor house, in Topsham, opened their gardens on Saturday 25^th July, for the ever-popular coffee morning - in which all proceeds were donated to the RNLI. With good weather and many people attending, the coffee morning raised just over £3,000 for the lifesaving charity.  

Owners Nigel and Sandra Atherton bought Anchor House a couple of years ago and have spent time renovating the house and gardens to tastefully reflect its estuary-side location.  

Anchor House had traditionally held RNLI coffee mornings for many years with the previous owners and this was something the new owners Nigel and Sandra were happy to continue with. Nigel commented: “I think we’ve had a brilliant day, a good turn out and we’ll do it again. We couldn’t have had better weather could we, it’s been really good.”  

As visitors enjoyed drinks and homemade cakes sat in the newly landscaped gardens, they were able to take in the superb views of the estuary. The Exmouth RNLI volunteer crew turned up in the inshore lifeboat and joined in with the coffee morning. There was also the RNLI stall, a bric-a-brac stall, and a prize draw with many donated items from local businesses. An auction proved very successful with items such as a painting donated by Lympstone Artist Tina Stokes selling for £280 and an hour’s helicopter flight reaching £440.

27 Jul 09 - Topsham Sailing club plays host to Exmouth RNLI all weather lifeboat and crew.

Topsham Sailing Club received a visit from Exmouth RNLI all weather lifeboat (ALB) on the eve of Friday, 24^th July. With good sea conditions and a high tide, the ALB made it’s way up the estuary passing by some of the members of the Topsham Sailing Club, who were on a race to raise more funds for the charity.  

Once the ALB was moored up at the sailing club, people were able to climb on board to learn about the workings of the lifeboat and the duties of the volunteer crew.  

The evening was organised by RNLI Topsham Branch President Martin Taylor. He said; “From the inception in 2006 of a new lifeboat station in Exmouth the Topsham Branch of RNLI agreed to dedicate their fund raising efforts towards the project. The Topsham Sailing Club not only provided their clubhouse for coffee mornings, but also ran their own fundraising suppers and other functions for the cause.”  

“Several thousand pounds have been raised in the last three years and it was a lovely way for Exmouth RNLI to say” thank you” to the Branch and Sailing club by bringing the ALB to Topsham whereby our members could meet the crew and look over the lifeboat. We also held a Pennant race that night and raised a further £135 towards the lifesaving charity.”  

The Winners of the Pennant race were:

• Bruford fleet - Graham Pateman "Seelipse"

• Norton Fleet - David Robinson "Mallard"

• Beech Fleet - Chris Miller "Antares"

• Devon Yawls - Ed Williams-Hawkes "Y'awl White"

26 Jul 09 - Exmouth RNLI tasked to capsized canoeist, yacht with engine failure and two fishing boats in trouble  

Exmouth RNLI lifeguards at Sandy Bay were alerted to a capsized canoeist near Straight Point on the afternoon of Saturday 25^th, July. The local man was unable to get back into his canoe, despite the efforts of his fellow canoeists – his wife and son. The tide was outgoing and sea conditions bumpy.  

RNLI Lifeguard Lee Newby saw the wife of the man paddle ashore and begin signaling for help. Lee responded immediately and used his rescue board to paddle out to the tired man. He recovered him to some nearby rocks.  As this was an inaccessible area of beach, he radioed for the Inshore Lifeboat (ILB) to transport the man back to Sandy Bay, where he was met by Exmouth Coastguards.  

As the ILB volunteer crew returned to Exmouth, they were tasked to check on a 22 foot local yacht, with two persons onboard. The yacht was anchored in the entrance to Exmouth Channel and had suffered engine failure. The All Weather Lifeboat (ALB) was just returning from Lyme Regis and took the yacht in tow, returning the vessel to its mooring.  

Earlier that afternoon, as the ALB was returning from Lyme Regis, they responded to Portand Coastguards radio page that a concerned member of the public had reported a 16ft angling vessel close to the shoreline in rough surf at Seaton. As the Exmouth lifeboat was nearby they were able respond within six minutes and discovered that the owner had very little fuel left.  

The skipper of the boat, who was not a local man, was planning to return up the River Axe, but was unaware he was at least four hours away from a flood tide. The ALB volunteer crew towed his vessel to a mooring at Beer beach where local coastguards took over.  

The following morning at 1.12 am on Sunday 26^th July, the ALB was tasked again after Portland Coastguards received a 999 call saying there was a fishing boat in trouble in the surf at Budleigh Beach. The RNLI volunteer crew found a small 16ft fishing boat with one person on board. The man was having trouble with his engine and struggling to get his boat out of the surf. The crew threw a line and towed him off the beach, returning him to Exmouth. 

14 Jul - Capsized Dinghy

Exmouth volunteer inshore lifeboat (ILB) crew were tasked by Brixham Coastguards, on Monday 13th July at 1pm, to assist two people who were in the water after their dinghy capsized.   

The man and teenage boy, wearing suitable clothing and lifesaving gear, had been in the River Exe for approximately half an hour trying to right their boat, but the mast was stuck in the mud. The ILB crew assisted them to upright the boat and escorted them back to Starcross Sailing Club.  

Before returning to base, the volunteer crew were radio tasked by Brixham Coastguards to the aid of a couple who, when rowing in the estuary, came across a rigid-hulled inflatable boat (RHIB) that had broken free of its mooring. The couple attempted to take it to a mooring but as they were only rowing, couldn't quite manage it. The ILB crew took over from the couple and secured the boat to a suitable mooring.  

RNLI volunteer crew members were Ian Taylor (helmsman), Richard Vine and Guy Munnings, with tractor driver Giles White.

13 Jul 09 - Boathouse Shop Open

On Friday July 10th, at 10 am, the new Exmouth RNLI shop opened its doors to the public after weeks of preparation. Situated in the new boathouse, the new location will mean easy access for those visiting the beach in the summer. 

At the opening were Clare McDermott, RNLI Head of Sales and Julie Bawden, RNLI Retail Advisor for the South West.  Clare said; "We are absolutely delighted to open a new shop in Exmouth, especially with our new product range, all supporting the lifesaving charity. 100% of the profits goes to helping save lives at sea."   

Some of the shop staff and volunteers have previous retail experience and been instrumental in helping merchandise the new shop. Others with carpentry experience have been putting up shelves in the stock room, all helping to keep costs down. The new shelving has been carefully designed to improve the shopping experience for the customer. The shop also has a lift and stairs to an upstairs viewing area where customers will be able to look down into the boathouse, enjoy the sea views and read about the history of the lifeboats at Exmouth.   

Julie Bawden added; "This new shop fit actually presents the product better and that's what we hope will increase product turnover. It looks cleaner, crisper and a more enjoyable experience for the customer."   

The Exmouth volunteers worked tirelessly for the few days prior to the opening. Margaret Eaglesham, Shop Souvenir secretary commented: "It's so wonderful and so clean and so light. A lot of us have fond memories of the shop in old ILB station, but I am sure we will get used to the lovely surroundings and the view - you can't match that can you." 

07 Jul 09 - Exmouth RNLI lifeboat and lifeguards tasked to two cut off by tide.

15 Jun 09 - Exmouth and Budleigh RNLI Guild - a successful fundraising day at Bicton College.

Warm weather brought out hundreds of people visiting Bicton College's Open Day on Saturday 13th June.  RNLI Exmouth and Budleigh Salterton Guild held a Craft Fair at the College, which was well attended raising approximately £800.00 for the lifesaving charity. 

Beryl Cole, Assistant Guild Secretary said; "It was a very successful day which was enhanced by the wonderful weather and the beautiful surroundings of Bicton College. We had stall holders selling funky kitchen ware, puzzles for the mind, animal beds, chutneys, fudge, jewellery and ladies' clothing, just to name a few of the participants. We are looking forward to our RNLI Craft Fair in the Autumn and would like to hear from any stall holders who would like to join us for this." 

The two day event will be taking place on Tuesday 27th October from 12 noon to 8.00pm and Wednesday 28th October 2009, 10.00am to 4.00pm. There will again be many stalls including hand crafted jewellery, woodwork, leather goods, and toys. If you would like further information, please contact Maureen Chandler, RNLI Exmouth and Budleigh Salterton Guild Secretary on 01395 278821. 

The guild is hoping members of the public will come along and support this event.  Fuller details will be available later.

15 Jun 09:  Broken down jet ski and angling boat require Exmouth RNLI assistance.

As Exmouth RNLI volunteer ILB crew were about to go on exercise, they received a call to help with a broken down jet ski, located near Pole Sands, Exmouth. The crew went immediately to their aid at 3.25pm on Sunday 14^th June. Three of the jet ski group stayed on the craft while it was towed to Mamhead Slipway. The fourth member of the party made his own way to shore to collect their car.

At 4pm, only minutes after returning, the crew were tasked again by Brixham Coastguards to investigate a report of a broken down 25ft angling boat with three persons on board. The boat was found to have both mechanical and electrical failure and the All Weather Lifeboat (ALB) was launched to tow the boat back to its mooring near Shelly Beac h.

08 Jun 09 - Seeking family members of those honoured on memorial

Exmouth RNLI is appealing for direct descendants of lifeboat crew who sadly lost their lives during service with Exmouth Lifeboat Station.

Four Exmouth volunteer crew have been added to the list of names on a memorial to be unveiled at a special ceremony at the RNLI headquarters in Poole.

Currently, the RNLI only has details of family members of one of the Exmouth men Will Carder, a lifeboatman who lost his life at sea during a shout on Christmas Day 1956. He was washed overboard from the lifeboat Maria Noble during rough seas. The other three men they would like to find family members for are; FH Horne, HC Squire and Samuel Gifford

In 1905, Signalman F H Horne left for home after the Joseph Soames lifeboat had launched but sadly he never arrived. Some time later his body was found under trees, not far from the lifeboat house. Apparently, he had died of a heart attack.  

In 1907 Coxswain HC Squire collapsed and died as he helped to launch the Joseph Soames lifeboat.  

And finally in July 6^th 1952, the Catherine Harriet Eaton lifeboat launched at 3.42am to search for two missing men from a liberty boat en-route back to their ship HMS Battleaxe. Lifeboat signalman Samuel Gifford fell from his bicycle en route to the boathouse. He sustained severe bruising and cuts but had insisted on going out on the lifeboat. On returning to shore, he was taken to hospital and later suffered a stroke.  

Jo Damsell, Exmouth Lifeboat Press Officer said; “The memorial sculpture is a fitting way to honour those volunteers who lost their lives while on service to the RNLI. We are hoping there is direct family members to these three men still living in the East Devon area so we can issue them an invite to the unveiling in Poole.”  

Anyone who may be able to help can contact Jo on 07551 635363 or email her on press@exmouth-lifeboat.org.uk.

04 Jun 09 - Rescue of sinking boat

On Tuesday 2^nd June, at 6.35pm, Exmouth RNLI volunteer crew were tasked by Brixham Coastguards to assist a man in a sinking boat.  

The crew located the 15ft motor boat in fairly shallow waters behind Maer rocks, Exmouth. Another passing boat was also in attendance. The man aboard was desperately bailing out water in an attempt to stop the craft sinking. Volunteer crew members Ian Taylor, Roy Stott and Giles White helped pull the boat to shore where it was beached next to the ramp of the new Lifeboat Station.

11 May 09:  Exmouth RNLI tasked to two boats over weekend.

Exmouth RNLI volunteer crew members responded to two emergency call outs over the weekend, where both small boats suffered engine failure.  

On Saturday, May 9^th Brixham coastguards received reports of three men overboard after their boat capsized. Not knowing the exact location, both the inshore lifeboat (ILB) and All weather lifeboat (ALB) were launched at 10.27am. Luckily the men were plucked out of the water by a passing fishing vessel and when on scene the ILB volunteer crew recovered the boat and towed it to the beach, above the high water mark.  

On Sunday, May 10^th at 1.03pm, the ILB crew responded to reports of a man waving for help from his small motor boat. On scene, it was established the two persons on board had motor failure but were able to start it themselves. The ILB crew escorted them back to Mamhead Slipway in Exmouth.

05 May 09:  Latest Shouts

The RNLI relief boat Fisherman’s Friend was in full use on its last night of service in Exmouth. The RNLI volunteer crew were tasked by Portland Coastguards on Monday, May 4^th at 5.35pm, to assist in the recovery of a broken down 20ft Bayliner cabin cruiser.  

The cabin cruiser, with two persons on board had suffered gearbox failure. Another boat in the vicinity tried to tow the stricken vessel, but unable to make progress, the ALB was requested. Two RNLI crew members went on board the cabin cruiser to assist and boat was towed back to Exmouth.  

Shortly after returning to Exmouth, at 8.48pm, both lifeboats (inshore and all weather) were tasked by Portland Coastguards to assist in the search of an 88 year old lady from Budleigh Salterton. She had not been seen since midday and there were concerns for her welfare.  

Police, Coastguards and Sidmouth lifeboat joined in the search that was to last for a few hours into the night.  Exmouth RNLI volunteer crews searched from Straight Point, Exmouth to Ladram Bay.  According to Coastguard reports, after the RNLI boats were stood down, the elderly lady returned to her home.  

Margaret Jean, Exmouth’s RNLI all weather lifeboat is due back from Falmouth this afternoon, Tuesday 5^th May. The boat has undergone a full refit.

26 Apr 09:  Latest Shouts

Exmouth RNLI pagers go off during training.

On the evening of 21^st April, as the volunteer crew were training in carriage launch and recovery with the all weather lifeboat, the pagers went off. Prepared to go straight out to sea, the shout turned out to require the inshore lifeboat and it was not long before the ILB crew were speeding past the new station and crew training.  

The ILB volunteer crew joined the police and coastguards in a search of the Budleigh area, after reports that a woman was in distress. The woman was found inland and the crew were stood down.  

As the ALB crew returned to the moorings later that evening at 8.50pm, they were called to assist a yacht with one person on board. The boat had run aground and the ALB crew towed it to safety.  

A call with good intent was made on Wednesday 22^nd April at 5.44pm after someone reported a man and his two dogs were cut off by the tide at Orcombe Point. The ILB volunteer crew went to investigate, but the man had found his way up the steps by the cliff.

14 Apr 09:  Latest Shouts

Exmouth RNLI volunteer crew were called out five times over the Easter weekend.

On Friday 10th April, while the Mersey class all weather lifeboat (ALB) was on exercise, a mayday call was made at 7.32pm from a man on board a 17ft Dory boat. He reported electrical problems. There were 4 persons on board, 2 adults and 2 children. By the time the lifeboat reached the Dory in the Exe Estuary, the skipper had managed to tow it to the shore at the Recreation Ground.

On Saturday 11th April. Portland Coastguards received  a distress call from a person on board a speedboat near Sandy Bay. The line cut out before the call finished and so not knowing the extent of problem, both boats were launched at 2.04pm to investigate. The volunteer crew found the broken down speedboat near Littleham Cove with 4 persons on board. The inshore lifeboat (ILB) towed the speedboat back to Shelley Beach, Exmouth.

At 3.07pm, the same afternoon, the ILB was relaunched to 2 adult females (teenagers) cut off by tide, also in the Littleham Cove area. Believed to be holidaymakers, the girls were taken by boat to Sandy Bay.

On Sunday 12^th April at 5.37pm a reported sighting of a 3 person jetski capsizing just off Exmouth beach initiated an ILB launch. The 3 people were picked up by the occupants of a passing Rib (Rigid Inflatable Boat) and the ILB recovered the jetski back to shore.  

On Monday, 14^th April, good wind conditions meant there were over forty windsurfers on the seafront at Exmouth. While the ILB was on exercise in the estuary, they received a call from Brixham Coastguards at 3.50 pm after reports of a female windsurfer waving and appearing to be in difficulty. The crew diverted to Exmouth seafront but the windsurfer had made her way to shore. The lifeboat crew checked she was OK and finished their exercise.

25 Mar 09:  New Exmouth RNLI Sea Safety Officer visits Lympstone Sailing Club

Peter Williams, Exmouth's new Lifeboat Sea Safety Officer (LSSO) has been visiting user clubs up and down the Exe estuary, promoting the importance of wearing lifejackets at sea.

On Friday March 20th, he visited Lympstone Sailing Club with presenter Tony Watson, Sea Safety Officer (LSSO) and Lifeboat Press Officer (LPO) for Teignmouth RNLI. Members of the club brought their own lifejackets to be checked over and some were quite surprised to discover various faults that could impair effective operation. These included gas cylinders (used to self- inflate lifejackets) found to be corroded and in need of replacing.

Tony Watson commented: “We are still surprised at the number of lifejackets that are not regularly checked over by their owners - currently about 1 in 4 lifejackets brought to one of our lifejacket clinics show signs of deterioration, and as many as 1 in 20 might not inflate in an emergency. The regular inspection of lifejackets is as essential as the regular wearing of one - accidents usually happen without warning".  

Joining the evening was Peter's daughter Arriane, who modelled a Crewsaver lifejacket - demonstrating the correct procedures fitting, automatic and manual inflation.  

Peter advised checking lifejackets periodically for wear and tear, to inflate the jacket at least once a year and leave overnight to check for any leaks. He also recommends lifejackets are serviced once a year by a qualified service centre. He said; “We found at this clinic there were two lifejackets that were only a year old, brought from the same supplier, in which the gas cylinder on one wasn't even connected and the other was loose.” He added; “ It's so easy to think that lifejackets will always work, but in an emergency it’s too late to discover that they need servicing and checking.”  

Mike Gall, Commodore of Lympstone Sailing Club, found the evening very useful and is an advocate of wearing a lifejacket. He said: “The importance of wearing a life jacket was rammed home for me during my involvement in the search and recovery of a drowned sailor from a seal loch in Scotland.  It was the classic scenario of an experienced sailor who became complacent and failed to make an effective transfer from tender to yacht under flat calm conditions. I was a Scout at the time. He left a wife and two young children.”  

Peter Williams took up the post of LSSO in 2008. He originally joined the RNLI in 1999, working as a Sea Safety Checker for three years. He has sailed from the Exe for many years, and has worked as a training outdoor pursuits instructor in dinghy sailing. If you would like Peter to visit your organisation to explain the RNLI Sea Safety Initiative, please contact him on 07970 045568.

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