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"We never know what we are faced with until we get down to the station."

So it is lucky then that Lyme Regis is home to an Atlantic 75 life saving boat, equipped with all necessary kit to keep its community safe.

Elliott Herbert volunteers for the RNLI

The boat even includes a GPS system, which acts as a Satellite Navigation device. "The boat is specially designed for the RNLI," explained Elliott. "It is the quickest in the fleet and can reach a speed of up to 33 knots [40 mph] and has a cruising time of three hours before we have to refuel."

For most calls the lifeboats usually take on a crew of three, but depending on the seriousness of then call, a fourth man can also be brought onboard. "It is usually the first three down that make the boat," said Elliott, “It depends on the nature of the call, though for example if it is a non-life threatening tow then sometimes some of the younger lads will go out to get a bit of experience."

RNLI Lyme Regis

Honour and tragedy

Since the re-opening of the station, boats have been launched on over 1000 occasions from Lyme Regis, and also in that time three medals of gallantry have been awarded to crew-members from the station, with two being awarded to John Hodder and one to Colin Jones, who is still involved with the service.

As well as celebrating the good times in Lyme Regis, memories will also be with those involved in the sometimes tragic events that can happen at sea. In 1969 the service lost crew-member Robert Jefford who died during in storm conditions. He remains the last serviceman to die while on duty at Lyme Regis.

With the dangers of the water there must have been some scary moments at sea for the boatsmen?

RNLI in action

Says Elliott, "I have never really been that scared when I have been out but I am sure it happens at other stations in the UK. About three months ago though I went out on a call to a sailing vessel about one mile off of Lyme Bay. It was really rough conditions and I actually helped them sail back to West Bay, which was quite tough but also fun.

"We also have memories of good shouts that have gone really well but unfortunately there are some that we do not really like to talk about too often."

Community

Elliott, who works as a labourer, felt that by joining the service he was helping people in his community. "I am a local lad and that is one of the best things about joining the service here. It is a good way of doing something for the community, and for people at sea.

"I have always had a big fascination for the sea, I do a lot of surfing and diving and there was an option to join the station so I signed up."

Pearl of Dorset B-741

And the people around Lyme Regis appreciate the station. Jimmy Purves plays the accordion on the sea-front and collects for the RNLI, which is run as a charity and operated by volunteers.

He said: "I like to collect money for the lifeboats, they're a good bunch of lads and they work really hard." The support the RNLI receives from the community is vital in ensuring that it continues to save lives at sea.

The service certainly gets the thumbs up from Elliott who said: "I think getting involved with the lifeboats is great, I love it. If you have an interest in the water and want to help people at sea then there is no reason why you shouldn't put your name down and work with us."