Like almost all RNLI stations the lifeboats at Shoreham are manned by a group of volunteer crew members and shore helpers. The only full timer at the station is the mechanic, whose job it is to look after the lifeboats so they are ready to put to sea 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Our crew come from all walks of life - we have everyone from a Police Officer to a Postman.

The kit we use has to be good to keep us safe when at sea. It costs over £1,000 to kit out a crew member and more than £1,200 each year to train us and keep our skills up to date.

Crew members are highly trained and not just in seamanship. Every crew member has extensive training in first aid, sea survival and firefighting too.

Our lifeoats have to be maintained to the highest standards and have regular refits. In 2009 the RNLI cost £147.7M to run.

The RNLI is a charity and recieves no funding from the UK government. If you would like to play your part in helping to keep the service there for everyone in the community you can find out more here www.rnli.org.uk/how_to_support_us. You can also donate directly to the lifeboats and crew at Shoreham, ensuring your donation goes towards funding your local station. If you want to know more just pop into the station or email us at
shoreham-harbour@rnli.org.uk