RNLI In Swanage Gets New Lifeboat

After 9 years on service the inshore lifeboat (ILB) Jack Cleare has been replaced by the brand new inshore lifeboat named Phyl & Jack.

The new lifeboat was generously funded by the late Phyl Cleare who had also funded the last ILB at Swanage as well as the ILB at Weymouth. 

Phyl and her late husband Jack began supporting the RNLI more than 30 years ago and became close friends with a number of the crew at both stations over the years.  Jack sadly passed away suddenly in 2000 but Phyl continued her passionate support of the RNLI winning the prestigious Individual Support of the Year award at the RNLI's 2011 Annual Presentation of Awards.

Phyl sadly passed away in March this year but had made provision for the funding of Swanage's future lifeboat which came on service this month. Friends and family of Phyl and Jack gathered last week for a special service in their memory.  As a surprise for the guests the new Swanage ILB was unveiled before making is journey to the Swanage Lifeboat Station for the volunteer crew to take her to sea for the first time in Swanage waters.

Lifeboat crew member Becky Mack said: "The family were delighted to be able to see the brand new lifeboat that Phyl had funded, it was a very special moment as I made the announcement to them, some who had travelled from Canada to be there."

The core structure of the new ILB remains the same, however Swanage is one of the first stations to receive an ILB with the improved chart plotter which has been changed to make it easier to operate when at sea, particularly in treacherous conditions.

The old inshore lifeboat will be returned to the RNLI where it will go on to be used for training.