Port Isaac RNLI launches appeal for new lifeboat station
Community fundraising underway to modernise lifeboat facilities
Port Isaac RNLI is launching a fundraising campaign to collect approximately £900,000 for the renovation of its lifeboat station, aiming to better accommodate its team of volunteers.
Currently operating from a single-storey building in Port Isaac, the RNLI's existing station lacks the space and facilities expected of a modern lifeboat station.
The planned project includes reconfiguring the current building to store the D class inshore lifeboat and tractor together for quicker and more efficient launches.
Additionally, updated private changing facilities and improved storage for equipment will be provided, alongside a visitor experience area.
The RNLI's shop at Smugglers Rest will be transformed into a permanent shop on the ground floor to support fundraising, while the first floor will offer meeting and training spaces, an office, and welfare facilities.
Kevin Dingle, Port Isaac RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Operations Manager, highlighted the importance of these renovations:
"Port Isaac has an iconic history of lifeboating over the last century with many of our local community connected to our lifeboat heritage. We are a small close-knit community who look out for each other, and we respond to various incidents assisting boat owners, fishing vessels and water users on this important stretch of north Cornwall coastline.
"We have been in our current lifeboat station since 1994, but it is incredibly small for our 46 strong team of volunteers. The improved station will allow us to launch quicker as the lifeboat and tractor will remain coupled. We will also have space for our crews to change before and after a service in private, as well as much needed space for meetings, training and welfare.
"These improvements will make a significant impact for our volunteers at Port Isaac RNLI and we hope the wider community will come together to support our fundraising efforts to future proof our presence in the village for decades to come."
Fundraising events are scheduled to take place this year to help reach the £900,000 goal.
Work on the lifeboat station is set to begin in autumn 2024 and is estimated to take six to eight months, with the construction occurring during the quieter winter months.
During the project, the D class lifeboat will be stored at the top of the village but will remain operational.