Organise a Visit

In 1858, the RNLI made the decision to re-establish a station in Exmouth, which officially opened in 1859. Since then, Exmouth RNLI has remained at the forefront of coastal rescue operations. Today, our station is equipped with cutting-edge lifeboats and technology, ensuring we’re ready to respond to emergencies at a moment’s notice.

We invite you to visit us, learn more about our work, and discover the vital role we play in keeping our coastal community safe.

Launch a Memory

We work hard to ensure that everyone who has added a name to lifeboat 13-03 can see it. However, please be aware that there are times when the lifeboat may not be in the station. This could be for a number of reasons — most importantly, when it’s out saving lives at sea. For this reason, we cannot guarantee that you’ll be able to view the name you’re looking for on the boat itself.

Most of the time, you’ll be able to visit the station and see the names on the lifeboat’s hull. However, as the lifeboat sits on its launch and recovery system, the names are above eye level and maybe a little difficult to read.

Signs are now displayed on the outside walls of the station showing all three decals from the boat’s side and roof, allowing all the names to be viewed at any time of day.

Visiting Exmouth Lifeboat Station

Tour guides will be on duty at weekends at the times shown in the orange boxes below.

In addition, they will also be on duty during school holidays, as determined by Devon County Council, at the same times shown below.

The school holiday dates can be found at the Devon County Council website

We offer a variety of tours for individuals and groups of all sizes, and all are free:

• Drop-in Tour 
• Standard Station Tour 
• Group Tour
• Midweek ‘Launch A Memory’ viewing Tour 

If you are not sure which tour would suit you, or you have any special requirements which you wish to discuss prior to your visit, please email our Lifeboat Visits Officer

SEPTEMBER viewing dates

Saturdays and Sundays 10.30am to 3.30pm

Large Groups With Children

Group Tours

Booking Information

All group tours must be booked in advance.

Please do not make travel arrangements until your booking has been confirmed by the Lifeboat Visits Officer.Confirmation may take up to one week, depending on volunteer availability.

We experience particularly high demand during the summer months, so early booking is recommended.

What the Tour Includes

A typical tour includes:

• The Inshore Lifeboat
• The All-Weather Lifeboat
• The Shannon Launch and Recovery System

Please note that access to certain areas may occasionally be restricted due to operational requirements.

Safeguarding Requirements

For the safety and wellbeing of all visitors, the following minimum adult-to-child ratios must be observed:

• Children aged 0 to 4 years – one adult for every 2 children.
• Children aged 4 to 7 years – one adult for every 6 children.
• Children aged 8 to 11 years – one adult for every 10 children
• Children aged 12 years and above – one adult for every 15 children

Group leaders and accompanying adults remain responsible for the supervision and behaviour of children throughout the visit. The RNLI and its volunteers cannot accept responsibility for supervising children.

Schools and Organised Groups

We welcome visits from schools, youth organisations, community groups, social clubs, and larger groups of family and friends.

Tours can usually be arranged on weekdays or weekends throughout the year, subject to operational requirements and volunteer availability.

• Minimum group size: 6 people
• Groups containing more than 6 children should also refer to the  Guidelines for schools

Please submit a booking form, even at the start of any provisional enquiry.

This makes it much easier to establish what your needs are from the start and that you understand our terms and conditions. Upon receipt of a completed form, we will then contact you to discuss your proposed requirements.

Please complete the booking form for a Group Tour

After completing the on-line form click the box ‘Submit‘ and it will automatically be sent to visits@exmouthlifeboat.org.uk.

Please Note: For all visits, parking is available at the large council managed Foxholes car park opposite the Lifeboat Station – parking by the Lifeboat Station is for RNLI personnel only.

About Launch A Memory

The RNLI’s Launch a Memory (LAM) campaign offers a lasting tribute to commemorate a loved one, or celebrate someone still with us, by placing their name on an RNLI lifeboat.

R and J Welburn, Exmouth’s Shannon-class lifeboat, is the seventh Launch a Memory lifeboat. The campaign has raised over £1.08 million, helping fund vital training and equipment for our volunteer crews.

PLEASE NOTE:

As Exmouth is a fully operational lifeboat station, the lifeboat may be away on service or training during your visit.

Please contact the Lifeboat Visits Officer should you require confirmation.

13-03 R and J Welburn