NEW LIFEBOAT HOUSE

Bude has a long and proud history as a lifeboat station dating back to 1837 and the old station at the lock gates was opened in 1966. The lifeboat has launched over 300 times, saved nearly 100 lives and assisted many other people to safety.

After a number of years seeking a new home with more space to provide modern accommodation for the lifeboat and her volunteer crew, a decision was taken to transfer operations to Summerleaze Beach. The new boathouse prodices a boatroom to house the D class lifeboat, its carriage and launching tractor.

Supporting facilities include a workshop, storage for fuel and consumables, together with a crew/training room suitable for regular exercise and instruction sessions on navigation, communications and first aid. The room provides shelter and privacy for friends and relatives of those subject to rescue operations with a small gallery to produce the essential cups of tea. There is also a souvenir shop at ground floor level.

The new building has been designed to meet all the freasonably foreseeable needs of the lifeboat service at Bude for the first half of the 21st century and is well worth a visit.