RNLI History In St Ives
The RNLI station in St Ives has a long history, dating back to 1840 when a lifeboat was first stationed in the town. Since then, generations of brave volunteers have manned the lifeboats, risking their lives to save others in the treacherous waters off the Cornish coast. Their selfless dedication to duty has earned them the admiration and gratitude of the local community and beyond.
The Boats
The RNLI operates two lifeboats out of St Ives—The Nora Stachura which is a Shannon class lifeboat and came into service in 2015, and The Donald Dean which is a D class lifeboat (the smaller rib) and came into service in 2016. These state-of-the-art vessels are equipped with the latest technology and safety equipment, enabling the volunteer crews to respond swiftly and effectively to emergencies at sea, regardless of the weather conditions.
At low tide the lifeboat is launched using a launch and recovery tractor, which moves surprisingly quickly over the harbour to the waters edge. It is quite a sight to see.
The Crew
The crews of the RNLI in St Ives are on call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, ready to launch at a moment's notice to aid those in distress. Whether it's rescuing stranded sailors, assisting vessels in distress, or conducting search and rescue operations, the volunteers of the RNLI are always prepared to put themselves in harm's way to save others.
Practice Sessions
Practice sessions are usually held on Wednesday afternoons around 5pm - providing there isn't an emergency. This is a great time to go down to the harbour to watch.
Fund Raising
The work of the RNLI in St Ives would not be possible without the generous support of the local community. From fundraising events and donations to volunteering and spreading awareness, the people of St Ives rally behind their lifeboat station, ensuring that it has the resources and support it needs to carry out its vital mission.
St Ives Lifeboat Day
Every Summer the RNLI hold a lifeboat day. This is a fund raising event where they demonstrate their skills and talk to people about their work. There are stalls, food and lots of things to get involved with. This year (2024) it is being held on the 15th August.
