Appledore and Clovelly RNLI Water Safety Team

26/06/2026

A serious plea from Appledore RNLI to slipway swimmers and users

We love seeing so many people enjoying the water during these hot summer days, but we need to ask for your help.

If you hear the launch siren, please leave the lifeboat slip immediately and move well clear of the launch area as quickly as possible. Our shore crew are already busy carrying out vital tasks to prepare the lifeboat for launch, and every second counts. Please do not wait for them to ask you to move.

We also ask for your patience when the lifeboat returns.

Even after the boat is back on the slip, the crew will still be refuelling, carrying out checks, and preparing for the next call. Please do not enter the slipway, the chains are there for everyone’s safety and should never be ducked under or bypassed. We will remove them as soon as it is safe to do so, when we’ve finished moving all heavy machinery. Even if it’s a hot day and others are already in the sea, we ask that you wait for the shore crew to raise the chains. There is a path around the back of the lifeboat station you can use if you need to get past.

Most importantly, please remember why that siren has sounded. Somewhere, someone may be in very serious trouble, maybe in danger of drowning. A family may be waiting and hoping that help arrives in time.

When you hear the siren, imagine it is your loved one we are going to rescue.

Seconds save lives. Thank you for your understanding, patience and support.

Photo - thanks to crew member Lucy LoVel

25/05/2026

28/03/2026

Water safety day is here the lifeboat station is open Lifejacket clinic is up and running the kettle is on and the shops open

We are here till 1pm come on down

26/03/2026

If you have a PLB or an EPIRB or are thinking of getting either please click the link

New regulations will introduce mandatory PLB registration 👇

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency has published the outcome of its consultation on proposed changes to regulations covering the registration of Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRBs) and Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs).

The RYA is encouraging anyone with a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) to register it now, so they are ready before the new regulations come into force.

Find out more: http://rya.org/ClKF50YyVPQ

08/03/2026

🚨🌊 RNLI Water Safety Day – Appledore Lifeboat Station 🌊🚨

📅 Saturday 28th March 2026
⏰ 11am – 1pm
📍 Appledore Lifeboat Station

Are you out on the Rivers Taw & Torridge? Whether you sail, motor, paddleboard, kayak, fish or swim — this event is open to ALL water users.

Join the RNLI Water Safety Team for a relaxed, friendly and informative morning at the station:

🔶 FREE Lifejacket Clinic – Bring your lifejackets along and we’ll show you how to carry out a quick safety check to make sure they’re ready to save lives.
🔶 Water Safety Advice – Practical, local safety advice for anyone using the Taw & Torridge.
🔶 See the Lifeboats – Get up close to the boats that protect our community.
🔶 Visit the Station Shop – Support your local lifeboat station while you’re there.

Whether you’re experienced on the water or just starting out, we’re here to help you enjoy it safely.

⚠️ Remember: If you see anyone in trouble on the coast, in the water, or in the estuaries — dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

Bring your family, bring your friends, bring your lifejackets — and help us spread the word!

💙 Stay safe. Respect the water. Support your RNLI.

08/03/2026

Yesterday one of the Appledore & Clovelly RNLI Water Safety team, Matt, travelled down to Saltash Sailing Club to support the Plymouth RNLI Water Safety team with their Lifejacket Clinic.

It was a great opportunity for local boat owners to bring along their lifejackets to be checked, ask questions, and make sure their equipment is ready for the season ahead. The team were also joined by Force Four Chandlery who were on hand selling lifejackets and re-arming kits, helping people get their kit sorted on the day.

By the end of the clinic the teams had collectively checked 66 lifejackets — a fantastic turnout and an important step in helping keep people safe on the water.

For Matt, the personal tally for the day was 2 cups of coffee and 3 biscuits! ☕🍪

A huge thank you to the Plymouth RNLI Water Safety team and the Saltash RNLI Fundraising Branch for the warm welcome and a great day of teamwork.

Remember — a lifejacket can only save your life if it works. If you haven’t checked yours recently, now is a great time to do it.

04/03/2026

Is your watersport equipment clearly labelled? 🏄🏻‍♀️

Adding your contact details to your canoe, paddleboard, kayak, or other kit helps us reach you quickly if you ever get separated from it. If we find your equipment, we can contact you straight away to confirm you’re safe.

You can order our free waterproof labels here: https://f.mtr.cool/szhglwscuu

Once they arrive, write your details on and stick the label securely to your equipment.