Sidmouth Independent Lifeboat Reflects on a Successful 2024

As the year draws to a close, Sidmouth Independent Lifeboat and its Beach Lifeguard Service takes a look back on another year of service, growth, and community support. It’s been a rewarding 2024 for our Lifeboat Crew, Lifeguards, and Support Team, with milestones that we believe will benefit Sidmouth and its visitors for years to come.

Beach Lifeguards: A Season of Dedication and Growth

This summer, our Sidmouth Beach Lifeguard unit resumed operations in May, continuing to provide essential safety services throughout the busy season. Our team included eight lifeguards – a mix of four experienced returners and four new recruits. This blend of continuity and fresh talent strengthened our ability to keep the beach safe for everyone.

To prepare for the season, all lifeguards underwent rigorous training, including obtaining the necessary accreditations and completing a comprehensive three-day advanced first aid course. Thanks to the expanded team, we were able to extend patrols from Port Royal to Jacobs Ladder, offering even more comprehensive coverage.

Over the course of the season, our lifeguards managed 63 incidents and provided assistance to nearly 80 people. More than half of these incidents required first aid, with several cases demanding critical care until ambulance services could take over. Beyond the beach, our team continued delivering highly praised sea safety talks in local schools, helping to spread awareness and education about staying safe by the sea.

Looking ahead, we’re already planning for the 2025 season. Our priorities include recruiting new lifeguards and replacing some aging equipment to mark the fifth year of the Beach Lifeguard Service. We remain committed to maintaining the high standards of safety and care that our community has come to expect.

Sidmouth Independent Lifeboat: A Year of Progress

This year, Sidmouth Lifeboat has responded to 16 callouts, assisting seven individuals in distress. Each response underscored the professionalism and dedication of our crew, reaffirming the vital role we play in safeguarding the East Devon coastline.

One of our most significant achievements in 2024 was securing planning permission for a two-story extension to our lifeboat station. This long-awaited project will consolidate all our assets under one roof, resolving logistical challenges such as the off-site storage of “Speedy Sid,” our smaller Sea Rider boat.

From its inception, this project has been a true community effort. Designed by Studio Four Architects in collaboration with structural, mechanical, and electrical engineering experts, it reflects the input and dedication of our volunteers. We’re thrilled to have Skinner Construction Limited, a local contractor with deep ties to Sidmouth, leading the construction phase.

Our partnership with Sidmouth Sailing Club and Sidmouth Watersports Hub has been instrumental in advancing this project. Together, we aim to enhance the Port Royal area while reinforcing our shared commitment to the community.

A Year of Gratitude

As a fully self-funded independent charity, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who supported us in 2024. To the generous donors from near and far who help keep us operational 24/7/365, and to our incredible volunteers who give their time as boat crew, shore crew, trustees, or members of the support team – we are deeply grateful. Your contributions make everything we do possible.

Here’s to a safe and happy 2025! We look forward to continuing our service to the Sidmouth community and beyond, always with safety and care at the heart of what we do.

Remember, if you see an emergency along the coast, always dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

Image credits: Header – Paul Newman. All others – Sidmouth Lifeboat