| Lytham St Annes Lifeboat Station | |
| Map Type: | Lancashire |
| Pushpin Relief: | 1 |
| Address: | 121-123 South Promenade, |
| Location City: | Lytham St Annes, Lancashire, FY8 1SW |
| Location Country: | England |
| Coordinates: | 53.7469°N -3.0327°W |
| Building Type: | RNLI Lifeboat Station |
| Opened Date: | 1931 |
| Owner: | Royal National Lifeboat Institution |
| Website: | Lytham St Annes RNLI Lifeboat Station |
Lytham St Annes Lifeboat Station was created in 1931, with the amalgamation of two Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) branches, (1851–1931) and (1881–1925).[1]
The primary location is at South Promenade in St Annes, on the Fylde coast of Lancashire, from where it has operated the lifeboat 13-24 Barbara Anne (ON 1331) since 2018.[1]
There is also a secondary station, the former 1960s station, located 3.5miles away at East Beach, Lytham, from where it has operated a Inshore lifeboat, Moam (D-800) since 2016.[1]
For earlier information about St Annes, or Lytham lifeboat stations, please see;
On the 12 March 1931, the Lytham branch of the RNLI branches, which was still operational, joined with the St Annes branch, their station having closed in 1925, and thus was created 'Lytham St Annes' Lifeboat Station.[1]
Less than one month later, on 7 April 1931, Lytham St Annes lifeboat station received a new 35-foot 6in self-righting motor lifeboat, constructed by J. Samuel White of Cowes, costing £3,281. She had a 35 hp engine, delivering a speed of 7 knots. She was named the Johnson Webster, Henry Butterworth and William and Catherine Rashleigh lifeboat, all named on a plaque inside the boat, but known as J.H.W. (ON 738). The boat was to heavy to be housed in the boathouse, so was moored off Lytham Pier, the boathouse being used to store equipment, along with a small boarding boat. J.H.W. would serve for eight years, being transferred to in 1939.[1] [2]
The Dunleary (ON 658) arrived in Lytham St Annes on 29 January 1939. A much older motor-lifeboat, built in 1919, she had served at (Dún Laoghaire), but was larger, faster and much better equipped. In March 1939, the crew was joined by Motor Mechanic George 'Ginger' Harrison. He would go on to serve as mechanic for 40 years, the longest serving RNLI Mechanic.[1] [2]
There had been some discussion about closing the Lytham St Annes station in 1938, but this was never actioned. This was probably quite fortunate, with the outbreak of World War II. The war brought extra duties. Rifle practice was required, as was carrying a member of the Naval forces on the boat. Permission to launch was under Admiralty control. In November 1939, the Dunleary provided exceptional service to H.M.Trawler Gaul, saving the boat and 15 crew. In 1942, six lives, and H.M. Patrol Vessel Seilestier, were saved. Five lifeboat crewmen were awarded the 1939–1945 Star for their wartime service.[2] [3]
The Sarah Townsend Porritt (ON 886) arrived on 19 April 1951, a lifeboat, with twin diesel engines, giving 8.36 knots. She cost £24,427, and was provided from the legacy of Kate Isabel Porritt of Rossendale, Lancashire. Sarah would serve 27 years, and be credited with two medal rescues. On 3 July 1955, she was called to the yacht Penboch, aground on Angry Brow two miles north of Southport. After a difficult service, with the lifeboat being battered and grounding several times, five people were rescued. Coxswain Joe Parkinson would receive the bronze medal. In a service on 21 July 1962 to the yacht Lone Seeker, stranded on Salter's Bank, four people and the yacht were saved, but only after George Harrison got burned on the hand when the line rocket jammed. Coxswain Harold Parkinson was awarded the bronze medal, with George Harrison receiving 'The Thanks of the Institution inscribed on Vellum'.[3]
A mussel cleaning plant had been constructed on the waterfront at Lytham in 1935, but it was no longer needed by 1957. On hearing of the intended demolition, RNLI Mechanic George Harrison was reported as saying "What a pity to pull down the place. It'd make a nice life-boat station." On 26 June 1960, Lytham St Annes got a new base to house their boarding boat and equipment, moving from the 1863 boathouse next to Lytham Windmill. It turned out to be the ideal home for the Inshore lifeboat (D-120), that arrived in 1967.[4] [5]
In 1997, a number of lifeboats were removed from station because of engine problems, and replaced with a variety of relief lifeboats. Lytham St Annes boat 47-037 Sarah Emily Harrop (ON 1155) was sent away for repairs, only never to return. In her place, lifeboat 12-21 Margaret Jean (ON 1178) arrived on station, and for now would still be moored afloat off the Lytham Central Beach Station.[6]