Lymington

The search for a new site for Lymington lifeboat station began 9 years ago. Last year, after much controversy, the new station finally opened – on the old site.

Initial hopes were to find a deep-water location so that a crane could be installed to ease launch and recovery. However, the town quay was too congested, particularly in Summer. Across the river, the train gate would have caused major hold-ups for the crew during emergencies.

Finally conceding that the existing site remained the best option, priority access to the area’s one slipway was delicately negotiated. Altogether, 28 different plans were drawn up before permission was finally granted.

Since its opening, the new building has become a focus for the community. The RNLI shop is booming and local clubs can hire meeting rooms. State-of-the-art training facilities are available and a well-equipped workshop enables any maintenance issues to be dealt with promptly. Changing facilities are warm and comfortable.

The lifeboat is now dry-housed, permanently hitched to her launching tractor. Previously, the coupling was dealt with in the open at the time of launching. This time saving soon proved its worth when a casualty was airlifted away only 18 minutes after the initial shout, almost certainly saving his life.