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Newquay Lifeboat Station

Photo of Newquay Lifeboat Station

For nearly 80 years the station operated an all-weather lifeboat until it closed in 1945. After a gap of 20 years the station opened again with an inshore lifeboat and has carried out a variety of rescues, earning several awards for gallantry.

This station is classed as a Discover station. ​Our crews from Discover stations are equally welcoming to visitors but many of these stations were built before visitors were considered. These stations normally open their boathouse doors during the summer months. 

Visit the station website

Recent launches from this station

Date Time
20/05/2013 18:24
07/05/2013 20:50
11/04/2013 15:38
31/03/2013 19:12
28/03/2013 04:39
21/03/2013 17:34
08/03/2013 13:52
21/01/2013 15:38
03/01/2013 19:56
23/11/2012 13:02

Latest news from this station

See more news for Newquay Lifeboat Station

Station location

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Forecasts for Newquay Lifeboat Station

  • Wednesday
  • Sunny intervals
  • Minimum:
    9°C
  • Maximum:
    13°C
  • Thursday
  • Sunny intervals
  • Minimum:
    7°C
  • Maximum:
    11°C
  • Friday
  • Sunny intervals
  • Minimum:
    6°C
  • Maximum:
    11°C
  • Saturday
  • Sunny intervals
  • Minimum:
    7°C
  • Maximum:
    12°C
  • Sunday
  • Sunny intervals
  • Minimum:
    10°C
  • Maximum:
    13°C

This is the tide forecast for Newquay - Towan / Great Western.

Wednesday 22/5

Tide chart Tide scale
High 03:17 6.1m
Low 09:48 1.5m
High 15:48 6.2m
Low 22:10 1.4m
  • First Light: 04:38
  • Sunrise: 05:20
  • Sunset: 21:13
  • Last Light: 21:55

Thursday 23/5

Tide chart Tide scale
High 04:09 6.5m
Low 10:38 1.2m
High 16:37 6.7m
Low 23:01 1m
  • First Light: 04:37
  • Sunrise: 05:19
  • Sunset: 21:14
  • Last Light: 21:56

Friday 24/5

Tide chart Tide scale
High 04:59 6.8m
Low 11:26 0.9m
High 17:24 7m
Low 23:50 0.7m
  • First Light: 04:36
  • Sunrise: 05:18
  • Sunset: 21:15
  • Last Light: 21:58

This is the surf forecast for Newquay - Towan / Great Western.

    Swell Rating Prob Height Period Dir
Wed 22/5 6am 100 2.5ft 7secs 105.11
Noon 100 4ft 6secs 135.41
6pm 89 3.5ft 5secs 149.13
Thu 23/5 6am 89 6ft 6secs 158.18
Noon 100 7ft 7secs 160.53
6pm 100 7ft 7secs 162.59
Fri 24/5 6am 89 9ft 7secs 160.5
Noon 63 9ft 8secs 174.91
6pm 58 8ft 8secs 174.24
  • Wednesday
  • 00:00
  • 10
  • 06:00
  • 7
  • 12:00
  • 17
  • 18:00
  • 13
  • Thursday
  • 00:00
  • 19
  • 06:00
  • 24
  • 12:00
  • 24
  • 18:00
  • 22
  • Friday
  • 00:00
  • 27
  • 06:00
  • 28
  • 12:00
  • 28
  • 18:00
  • 23
  • Saturday
  • 00:00
  • 10
  • 06:00
  • 5
  • 12:00
  • 8
  • 18:00
  • 7
  • Sunday
  • 00:00
  • 5
  • 06:00
  • 5
  • 12:00
  • 8
  • 18:00
  • 11

Station address:

Newquay Lifeboat Station
Newquay Harbour
Newquay
Cornwall
TR7 1HR

Station telephone:

01637 873846

Station opening times:

May–September 9am–5pm most days

Visitor contact:

Gareth Horner

Visitor contact telephone:

01637 873846

07785 593230

Shop telephone:

01637 852496

Shop opening times:

April–October
Monday–Sunday
11am–3pm
 

Appledore ILB crew members. Left to right, Martin Davis, Gary Stanbury and Andrew HalletSpecific crew member details for this lifeboat station are not available here at the moment.

More than 4,800 lifeboat crew members around the UK and RoI drop everything when their pagers go off, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Only 1 in 10 crew members has a professional maritime occupation. Men and women of all ages and all walks of life crew the RNLI lifeboats around our coasts and waterways.

  • Pictures taken from Newquay's RNLI lifeboats on scene to a man who'd fallen from cliffs

    Images taken from the Newquay lifeboats on scene

  • Newquay RNLI lifeboats launch to missing walker

    Newquay RNLI lifeboats launch to missing walker

  • Newquay RNLI launch to fishing boat for the second time in a week

    Newquay RNLI launch to fishing boat for the second time in a week

  • Newquay RNLI launch to fishing boat for the second time in a week

    Newquay RNLI launch to fishing boat for the second time in a week-1

  • Newquay RNLI launched to fishing vessel

    Newquay RNLI launched to fishing vessel

  • Newquay RNLI assists two people cut off by the tide

    Newquay RNLI assists two people cut off by the tide

  • Newquay RNLI crew flex their muscles for lifeboat day

    Newquay RNLI crew flex their muscles for lifeboat day

  • Newquay RNLI steps out for summer ball

    Newquay RNLI steps out for summer ball

  • Taking sea, sand and lifesaving inland as the RNLI feature at the Royal Cornwall Show

    Taking sea, sand and lifesaving inland as the RNLI feature at the Royal Cornwall Show

  • Newquay RNLI urge caution in strong offshore winds

    Newquay RNLI urge caution in strong offshore winds

  • HRH The Duke of Kent to visit six RNLI lifeboat stations on two-day tour

    HRH The Duke of Kent to visit six RNLI lifeboat stations on two-day tour

  • Newquay RNLI lifeguards present cheque to Newquay RNLI lifeboat.

    Newquay RNLI lifeguards present cheque to Newquay RNLI lifeboat.

  • Newquay RNLI loses Mangled Prop

    Newquay RNLI loses Mangled Prop

  • From dry suit to running kit – Ben gets going for Newquay RNLI

    From dry suit to running kit – Ben gets going for Newquay RNLI

  • Newquay RNLI defend “Mangled Prop” in 13th annual RNLI vs. Police rugby match

    Newquay RNLI defend “Mangled Prop” in 13th annual RNLI vs. Police rugby match

  • Barry bows out after 20 years service with the RNLI in the south west

    Barry bows out after 20 years service with the RNLI in the south west-2

  • Barry bows out after 20 years service with the RNLI in the south west

    Barry bows out after 20 years service with the RNLI in the south west-1

  • Barry bows out after 20 years service with the RNLI in the south west

    Barry bows out after 20 years service with the RNLI in the south west

  • Newquay RNLI - Local runner legs it for lifeboats

    Newquay RNLI - Local runner legs it for lifeboats

  • Newquay RNLI's Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat Gladys Mildred

    Newquay RNLI's Atlantic 85 lifeboat Gladys Mildred

  • Newquay RNLI - Local runner legs it for lifeboats

    Newquay RNLI - Local runner legs it for lifeboats

  • Scene at Zacry's Island as people are rescued having been cut off by tide. Picture taken by lifeboat crew from Newquay RNLI.

    Rescue on 31 March 2013

  • Picture taken on the day of the rescue of the lifeboat launching. The picture should be credited to Julia Sharland.

    The lifeboat launching to the fishing vessel

  • Newquay RNLI Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat at sea. Library shot taken by Nigel Millard.

    Library picture Newquay Atlantic 85 at sea

  • Late night shout for Newquay’s RNLI lifeboat crew

    Late night shout for Newquay’s RNLI lifeboat crew

  • On call over Christmas for the south west’s RNLI volunteers

    On call over Christmas for the south west’s RNLI volunteers-5

  • On call over Christmas for the south west’s RNLI volunteers

    On call over Christmas for the south west’s RNLI volunteers-4

  • On call over Christmas for the south west’s RNLI volunteers

    On call over Christmas for the south west’s RNLI volunteers-3

  • On call over Christmas for the south west’s RNLI volunteers

    On call over Christmas for the south west’s RNLI volunteers-1

  • On call over Christmas for the south west’s RNLI volunteers

    On call over Christmas for the south west’s RNLI volunteers-2

  • On call over Christmas for the south west’s RNLI volunteers

    On call over Christmas for the south west’s RNLI volunteers

  • Newquay RNLI lifeboat searches for missing surfer.

    Newquay RNLI lifeboat searches for missing surfer.-1

  • Newquay RNLI lifeboat searches for missing surfer.

    Newquay RNLI lifeboat searches for missing surfer.

  • RNLI figures highlight another busy summer for the south west

    RNLI figures highlight another busy summer for the south west

  • ‘Oarsome’ effort for The Lizard RNLI Tamar lifeboat appeal

    ‘Oarsome’ effort for The Lizard RNLI Tamar lifeboat appeal

  • Newquay RNLI called to fishing vessel on bank holiday Monday

    Newquay RNLI called to fishing vessel on bank holiday Monday

  • Newquay’s Volunteer RNLI helmsman responds to shout 23 hours after qualifying

    Newquay’s Volunteer RNLI helmsman responds to shout 23 hours after qualifying

  • Wet weather reflected in south west RNLI figures for 2012

    South West Flood Rescue Team train in Hayle

  • Wet weather reflected in south west RNLI figures for 2012

    South West Flood Rescue Team in training

  • Wet weather reflected in south west RNLI figures for 2012

    South West Flood Rescue Team training

  • Newquay RNLI Lifeboat Day packed with supporters

    Newquay RNLI Lifeboat Day packed with supporters

  • Newquay RNLI lifeboat tows fishing boat to safety

    Newquay RNLI lifeboat tows fishing boat to safety

  • Newquay RNLI lifeboat rescues family cut off by the tide.

    Newquay RNLI lifeboat rescues family cut off by the tide.

  • Newquay RNLI’s Lifeboat Day Extravaganza.

    Newquay RNLI’s Lifeboat Day Extravaganza.

  • Newquay RNLI tow fishing boat to safety

    Newquay RNLI tow fishing boat to safety

  • Newquay RNLI lifeboat rescue nine kayakers.

    Newquay RNLI lifeboat rescue nine kayakers.

  • Newquay RNLI in action as lifeboat crew and lifeguards rescue injured coasteerer

    Newquay RNLI in action as lifeboat crew and lifeguards rescue injured coasteerer

  • Newquay RNLI lifeboat crew assist RSPCA Inspector in rescue of grumpy badger

    Newquay RNLI lifeboat crew assist RSPCA Inspector in rescue of grumpy badger-1

  • Newquay RNLI lifeboat crew assist RSPCA Inspector in rescue of grumpy badger

    Newquay RNLI lifeboat crew assist RSPCA Inspector in rescue of grumpy badger

  • Newquay RNLI loses 14th Mangled Prop Rugby match

    Newquay RNLI loses 14th Mangled Prop Rugby match

  • Newquay RNLI lifeboats assist lift fall rescue

    Newquay RNLI lifeboats assist lift fall rescue

  • Newquay RNLI lifeboat responds to May Day call.

    Newquay RNLI lifeboat responds to May Day call.

  • RNLI awards for Newquay lifeboat crew volunteers after two lives are saved

    RNLI awards for Newquay lifeboat crew volunteers after two lives are saved

  • RNLI to benefit from charity kayak marathon round the Cornish coast

    RNLI to benefit from charity kayak marathon round the Cornish coast

  • Building work well underway at the new RNLI lifeguard unit on Fistral beach

    Building work well underway at the new RNLI lifeguard unit on Fistral beach

  • Newquay RNLI lifeboat captured on historic film

    Newquay RNLI lifeboat captured on historic film

  • Newquay RNLI fundraisers say Sample Our Shortbread

    Newquay RNLI fundraisers say Sample Our Shortbread

  • RNLI volunteers in the south west remain on call this Christmas

    RNLI volunteer crew, fundraisers and lifeguards in St Ives

  • Newquay RNLI volunteers devote Bank Holiday hours to towing home local fishing boat

    Newquay RNLI volunteers devote Bank Holiday hours to towing home local fishing boat

  • A first for the RNLI in Cornwall as two outstanding musical groups perform together

    A first for the RNLI in Cornwall as two outstanding musical groups perform together-3

  • A first for the RNLI in Cornwall as two outstanding musical groups perform together

    A first for the RNLI in Cornwall as two outstanding musical groups perform together-2

  • A first for the RNLI in Cornwall as two outstanding musical groups perform together

    A first for the RNLI in Cornwall as two outstanding musical groups perform together-1

  • A first for the RNLI in Cornwall as two outstanding musical groups perform together

    A first for the RNLI in Cornwall as two outstanding musical groups perform together

  • Lifejackets for lifesavers - South west RNLI volunteers launch campaign to buy new lifejackets

    Lifejackets for lifesavers - South west RNLI volunteers launch campaign to buy new lifejackets-3

  • Lifejackets for lifesavers - South west RNLI volunteers launch campaign to buy new lifejackets

    Lifejackets for lifesavers - South west RNLI volunteers launch campaign to buy new lifejackets-2

  • Lifejackets for lifesavers - South west RNLI volunteers launch campaign to buy new lifejackets

    Lifejackets for lifesavers - South west RNLI volunteers launch campaign to buy new lifejackets-1

  • Lifejackets for lifesavers - South west RNLI volunteers launch campaign to buy new lifejackets

    Lifejackets for lifesavers - South west RNLI volunteers launch campaign to buy new lifejackets

  • Newquay RNLI lifeboat launches lifeboats for the 100th tasking on 11/10/11.

    Newquay RNLI lifeboat launches lifeboats for the 100th tasking on 11/10/11.

  • Newquay RNLI lifeboats respond to red flare.

    Newquay RNLI lifeboats respond to red flare.

  • Newquay RNLI lifeboat responds to fisherman with partial amputation.

    Newquay RNLI lifeboat responds to fisherman with partial amputation.

  • Newquay RNLI lifeboats respond to red flare.

    Newquay RNLI lifeboats respond to red flare.

  • Newquay RNLI lifeboat responds to fisherman with partial amputation.

    Newquay RNLI lifeboat responds to fisherman with partial amputation.

  • Newquay RNLI lifeguards and lifeboat crew join forces to search for missing children

    Newquay RNLI lifeguards and lifeboat crew join forces to search for missing children

  • Newquay RNLI tasked for the 9th time in less than 7 days - with a Lifeboat Day thrown in too!

    Newquay RNLI tasked for the 9th time in less than 7 days - with a Lifeboat Day thrown in too!

  • Newquay RNLI’s Lifeboat Day Extravaganza.

    Newquay RNLI’s Lifeboat Day Extravaganza.

  • Newquay RNLI volunteers launch into August

    Newquay RNLI volunteers launch into August

  • Newquay RNLI rescues stranded walkers

    Newquay RNLI rescues stranded walkers

  • Newquay RNLI tasked for the 5th time in 48 hours

    Newquay RNLI tasked for the 5th time in 48 hours

  • Newquay RNLI tasked for the 9th time in less than 7 days - with a Lifeboat Day thrown in too!

    Newquay RNLI tasked for the 9th time in less than 7 days - with a Lifeboat Day thrown in too!

  • Busy week for Newquay RNLI lifeboat volunteers

    Busy week for Newquay RNLI lifeboat volunteers

  • Busy week for Newquay RNLI lifeboat volunteers

    Busy week for Newquay RNLI lifeboat volunteers

  • Newquay RNLI : Lucky escape for man over cliff

    Newquay RNLI : Lucky escape for man over cliff

  • RNLI volunteer thanks brothers who saved a drowning woman

    Brothers Martin and Dave Marney

  • RNLI volunteer thanks brothers who saved a drowning woman

    Pictured is Andrew Trebilcock, with brothers Martin and Dave Marney at Newquay Lifeboat Station

  • Newquay RNLI assist after woman is rescued by two brothers

    Library picture Newquay RNLI lifeboats in surf

  • Summer weather brings unseasonable challenges for south west RNLI

    Library shot of an RNLI Atlantic lifeboat

  • Newquay Shop

    Newquay Shop

  • Newquay D class. Photo: Phil Monckton

    Newquay D class. Photo: Phil Monckton

Image of lifeboat
 


Lifeboat name: 
Gladys Mildred

Lifeboat class: B class (Atlantic 85)

Funded by: Generous bequest of Mrs Gladys Hay of Saltash, Cornwall

Read more about the B class


Image of lifeboat



Lifeboat name:
Valerie Wilson

Lifeboat class: D class

Read more about the D class

1853
Silver Medal awarded to Thomas Tegg, Master of the sloop Caroline for rescuing the crew of the schooner Comet which was embayed between Towan Head and Pentire Head, on the coast of Cornwall, during a north north westerly gale on 26 February 1852.

1855
Silver Medal awarded to Seaman Charles Pearce for a service on 20 December 1854 to the schooner New Jane that was wrecked on rocks near Newquay.  Mr Pearce climbed over rocks and helped the crew to escape over the bowsprit. 

1859
Silver Medal awarded to Chief boatman, HM Coastguard William Henry Tregidgo for a service on 26 October 1859 when using two teams of his men in the Coastguard he rescued 11 men from the schooner Union and the lugger Anais both of which were wrecked in a gale.

1868
Lifeboat capsized on exercise without loss of life.

1895
Slipway at Towan Head completed.

1899
Lifeboat house constructed at Towan Head at a cost of over £700.  Adaptation of slipway £200.

1908
On 6 March when returning from exercise the lifeboat was capsized twice, all the crew, including the district inspector was thrown into the sea, and on the second occasion all regained the boat except Harry Storey who died from shock.  The Committee of Management voted £205 to local funds.

1913
The sum of £32 paid as compensation for injury to horse.

1918
Silver Medal awarded to Coxswain James Gill and Bronze Medal to Second Coxswain R J Trebilcock for the service on 17 December 1917 to ss Osten of Denmark seen drafting in a furious north easterly gale, but before she gathered speed she was struck by heavy sea and thrown on her beam ends.  She righted at once but was dashed on the rocks and smashed to pieces.  The crew managed to get a rope on shore and with assistance reached the land in exhausted condition but without loss of life.  Five men were severely injured.  The steamer was brought to safety later.

1934
Station closed.

1940
Station re-opened temporarily as a wartime measure; finally closed 1945.

1965
Inshore lifeboat station established with the placing on service of a D class lifeboat in June.

1968
Announced in June that the Newquay inshore lifeboat is to be equipped with a VHF radio telephone set.

1973
The Thanks of the Institution inscribed on Vellum accorded to crew member Norman Bailey in recognition of his courage when on 1 May in a confused and dangerous sea and without regard for his own safety, he swam 60 yards from the ILB to Horse Rocks to encourage and re-assure 11 people who were stranded, until they were rescued.

1983
D class lifeboat withdrawn and replaced by a C class on 14 December.

1984
A Framed Letter of Thanks signed by the Duke of Atholl, Chairman of the Institution addressed to Helmsman D Snell and crew members W Martin, C Pearce and P Rockall in recognition of their skill in the lifeboat when on 30 November they carried out the rescue of a sea angler who had been washed off rocks on the western end of Fistral Beach and administering first aid under very difficult conditions.

A Vellum was awarded to commemorate the stations aggregate service of 100 years.

1994
Old Seaman's mission demolished and a joint RNLI boathouse/ Seaman's Mission was constructed.

The new boathouse provides housing for both the D and Atlantic 21 class lifeboats as well as improved crew facilities.  D class lifeboat was placed on all-year-round service at Newquay on 12 December.

1995
A relief Atlantic 21 lifeboat was placed on temporary station duty on 15 February.  The C class lifeboat was withdrawn.

Atlantic 21 lifeboat withdrawn and replaced by an Atlantic 75 class lifeboat B715 which was placed on service on 13 September.

1996
A Framed Letter of Thanks signed by the Chairman of the Institution, was awarded to crew member Kevin Gee in recognition of the service in the D class lifeboat to three people cut off by tide in the vicinity of Bedruthern Steps, nine metres up a cliff in a cove.  In all, eight runs were made before all the casualties were recovered from the cove.  The service took place in south westerly Force 3-4 wind and moderate sea state on 30 July.

New D class lifeboat D497 placed on service on 11 April.

1997
The Thanks of the Institution inscribed on Vellum accorded to crew members of the D class lifeboat Jeremy Griffiths, Gareth Horner, Martin Snell in recognition of the service on 26 March when three people were cut off by tide.  This service was conducted in very difficult conditions with a fine display of teamwork between lifeboat, coastguard and helicopter.

2000
The Thanks of the Institution inscribed on Vellum accorded to Helmsman Wayne Martin and framed Chairman's letters presented to crew members. Laurence Pascoe, Jeremy Griffiths and tractor driver Philip Trebilcock for the rescue of two wind-surfers in severe weather conditions on 22 July.

2005
A Framed Letter of Thanks signed by the Chairman of the Institution, Admiral Sir Jock Slater was awarded to Helmsman Kevin Gee in recognition of his initiative, judgment and first class seamanship when a surfer’s life was saved on the afternoon of 18 April 2005.  The service was conducted in force 7 winds and large waves.

The new class of lifeboat IB1, D636 Valerie Wilson was placed on service on Thursday 17 February.  D497 has been withdrawn.

2007
The new Atlantic 85 class lifeboat B821 The Gladys Mildred was placed on service on 29 October.  This lifeboat was generously funded by Gladys Mildred Hay.  Lifeboat B715 has been withdrawn

2010
The Thanks of the Institution inscribed on Vellum was accorded to Helmsman Mark Morris and crew member Aaron Trebilcock for the rescue of two men, who had been jogging, by the tide on 27 January 2010. The hypothermic and exhausted men were saved in heavy surf from a rocky shore. Crew member Richard Martin received a framed Chairman’s letter for his contribution to the service.  Also Helmsman Morris received the Emile Robin award from the Shipwrecked Mariners and Fishermen’s Royal Benevolent Society for this service and Aaron Trebilcock received a special commendation from the Society.

MEDAL RECORD
Two Silver Medals have been awarded the last in 1918. 

Out on a shout

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