Freshwater Lifeboat launches on average 30 times each year at the request of the Coastguard to assist vessels in distress or persons in difficulty in the waters off the "Back of the Wight". Last Year we assisted over 200 people in difficulty at sea and around our shores. Our mission is to save lives every hour of the day and every day of the year.

We are an independent Lifeboat organisation and have two boats on 24/7 standby for slipway launch. Spirit of West Wight is an 8.8m self-righting Barbarian Class Wheelhouse RIB with twin 225HP Yamaha outboards giving a top speed of nearly 50 Knots and a 10hour range and the Berry B is a 5m semi-inflatable inshore rescue boat with a 40hp Yamaha outboard giving a top speed of 25 knots. Our patch covers from St Catherines lighthouse in the South to Hurst Point in the Solent and out to 30 miles off shore in mid Channel.

Our Crew, Launching Party and Fundraisers are entirely voluntary and give their time freely to train, build and maintain facilities and to raise funds as well as the all important lifesaving. New members are always welcome and we offer training up to advanced power boat and yacht master standards in boat handling and navigation. Join us on a Wednesday evening or Sunday morning for regular training sessions.