March 02, 2026 - 180 views
Llandudno’s Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) is urging locals to consider joining its Inshore Lifeboat (ILB) crew, as the vital sea rescue charity continues both its lifesaving work and its long-standing connection with the community.
The station, established in 1861, has a remarkable heritage of volunteer service spanning more than 160 years. Since its founding — originally funded as a gift in memory of a visitor who died in 1860 — the lifeboat crews based here have launched nearly 2,000 times and saved hundreds of lives off the North Wales coast.
Today, Llandudno operates a Shannon class all-weather lifeboat, William F Yates, and an inshore D class lifeboat, Dr Barbara Saunderson, both housed in a modern boathouse completed in 2017 at Craig-y-Don. The move to this purpose-built facility marked a new chapter for the station after more than a century of launching from a central town location.
The station’s latest volunteer appeal emphasises that no previous maritime experience is needed — full training, kit and support are provided for anyone aged 18 or over who lives or works locally and can respond quickly when paged.
Prospective ILB crew are invited to a presentation on Saturday 18 April to learn more about the role, training and what lifeboat service involves. Full details can be found via the RNLI volunteer site.
Volunteers already making waves include crew members who have recently advanced through rigorous ILB training. In the past year, several volunteers successfully passed key assessments, including Tier 1 and Tier 2 qualifications — milestones that prepare crew for frontline rescue duties — and gained responsibilities such as inshore lifeboat head launching.
The lifeboat team also responds regularly to multi-agency callouts. In November 2025, the inshore lifeboat launched at the request of HM Coastguard to support emergency services alongside North Wales Police — a moment that proved especially memorable for a newly trained crew member on her first call-out. 
Beyond active rescues, the station has become a local attraction and educational resource. Guided tours and open days — including the first of 2025 held earlier in the year — allow visitors to explore the lifeboats, learn about lifesaving history and understand the extensive training behind every call-out.
Llandudno RNLI is a cornerstone of community safety and coastal heritage. Its history, from early horse-drawn lifeboat launches in the 19th century to its cutting-edge Shannon class vessel today, reflects both the evolution of lifesaving technology and the enduring spirit of volunteerism that keeps the station ready “when Llandudno needs you.” 
For more details or to express interest in volunteering, visit the RNLI volunteer information page or email Llandudno@RNLI.org.uk.
