Independent lifeboats in Britain and Ireland is generally a term referring to lifeboat services which are not part of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), (Est. 1854), or its predecessor, the Royal National Institution for the Preservation of Life from Shipwreck (RNIPLS) (Est. 1824), even though the RNLI is itself independent.
There are about 80 (the number can fluctuate - see the tables below) independent lifeboat services operating throughout Britain, Ireland and the Channel Islands, on coasts and inland waterways, comprising around a quarter of the lifeboat services in the UK and Ireland.
Because the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) owns and operates the majority of lifeboat stations (238 in 2025[1]), smaller independent services can be overshadowed when it comes to publicity and fundraising.[2][3]
Independent services are usually funded privately and most are registered charities; they are supported by amateur radio;[4] most operate 24 hours a day, every day of the year. Some of the independent stations have achieved 'Declared Asset' status from HM Coastguard, meaning they can be called out by the Coastguard, just as they would call on the RNLI.[5][6]
History
The remains of Formby lifeboat station
The first recorded independent lifeboat service was established in 1776 at Formby, Merseyside, where it could cover the entrance to Liverpool Docks, one of the busiest ports in the world at that time.[7]
More lifeboat stations began to be established around the coast towards the end of the 18th century, in response to the considerable loss of life at sea. Many seaside towns and villages commissioned their own lifeboat, or were part of a larger group, such as the Norfolk Shipwreck Association, or the Essex Lifeboat Association.[8]
Inevitably, managing the operations and costs of a lifeboat was not an easy task, nor the first priority of the various Harbour and Dock Companies, and the management of the majority of these lifeboat stations was ultimately transferred to the RNLI.
However, in the early 1900s, a rise in the number of powered vessels, including lifeboats, and a decline in the number of merchant sailing vessels at the mercy of the weather, resulted in a dramatic reduction in the number of wrecks, and the need for lifeboats. Many RNLI stations were closed.
St Abbs Lifeboat Station
In the 1960s, a gradual increasing popularity of coastal and river sport and leisure activities, has led to the reopening of some lifeboat stations, and the establishment of many new ones, both with the RNLI, and independent organisations.
In 1962, the number of rescues or attempted rescues by All-weather RNLI lifeboats in the summer months was 98, with the number of lives rescued being 133. In 1963, in response to an increasing amount of water-based leisure activity, the RNLI began trials of small fast Inshore lifeboats, placed at various locations around the country. These were easily launched with just a few people, ideal to respond quickly to local emergencies. This quickly proved to be very successful. In 1963, there were 226 rescues or attempted rescues in the summer months, as a result of which 225 lives were saved.[9]
Along with new RNLI stations, the number of Independent Lifeboat stations have increased once again, with many operating in areas not traditionally covered by the RNLI, such as river estuaries and inland waterways, or established where a local need has been lacking cover.
In July 2020, the National Independent Lifeboat Association (NILA) was formed and established as a charity, to give independent lifeboats operators in the UK and Jersey a single voice in national conversations while remaining independent. Not all independent lifeboats are members of NILA. NILA has a seat on the UKSAR Operators group and the National Water Safety Forum.[10] In October 2020, the UK Parliament debated lifeboat coverage in depth, principally in respect of Covid-19, but generally to consider the future of lifeboat coverage around the UK, and to raise awareness of independent services and the funding difficulties they faced. A number of individual lifeboat stations (independent and RNLI) were highlighted.[11]
List of independent lifeboat services
Independent lifeboat services are spread across England, Wales, Scotland,[12] Jersey, Northern Ireland, and the Republic of Ireland.[13] Some are primarily inland rescue services.
Established April 2005, after separation from SARA. Operates in the Severn, Avon and Wye valleys.[33] 2025, Believed to be disbanded, members joined West Mercia Rescue.
Whilst the Channel Islands are not part of the UK (they are Crown dependencies) they are included here because of their proximity to Britain and Ireland with their location in the English Channel and by virtue of the RNLI's coverage, which includes Jersey, Guernsey and Alderney.
Established 2019. Operates the former RNLI Tyne-class lifeboat Sir Max Aitken.[60]
Republic of Ireland
Some independent services come under the umbrella of Community Rescue Boats Ireland (CRBI) and are trained and administrated by Irish Water Safety. Those noted (DR) are Declared Resource with Irish Coast Guard.[61]
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