RNLI station celebrates 10 years of saving lives

Volunteers at RNLI Portishead have been called out 396 times since the station opened

A lifeboat station is marking its 10-year anniversary – and hundreds of successful operations.

Volunteers at the Royal National Lifeboat Institution station in Portishead, North Somerset, have been called out 396 times since it opened in 2015.

They have so far assisted 347 people, saving 14 lives and rescuing 17 dogs.

The station serves the Bristol Channel, which has the second highest tidal range in the world, making conditions hazardous for volunteers. Tom Mansell, regional operations lead, said: "I am extremely grateful for the dedication and professionalism they show on a daily basis."

The RNLI station was preceded by the Portishead Lifeboat Trust, which operated from Sugar Loaf Beach as an independent rescue service for nearly 20 years.

The trust's station was an old shipping container, with basic facilities, which belonged to the Portishead Yacht and Sailing Club.

The former Portishead Lifeboat Trust base was described as "damp and mouldy"

In 2012, it was agreed that a new location would be secured and the RNLI would then take over operations.

The new station was declared operational on 24 April 2015.

A new and improved lifeboat station opened in Portishead in 2015

Ian Lazenby, a volunteer helm, said witnessing the transition was "really exciting".

He said the former facility was "damp and mouldy" but the new station was much improved, with toilets, kettles, seats and central heating.

The RNLI takeover also resulted in additional funding for the station, better equipment and more efficient operations.

A celebration to mark the 10-year anniversary will be held on 18 May to coincide with an open day at the station.

The day will include demonstrations and a boat launch, with other local emergency services joining in.

"You get a lot from the teamwork, you get a lot from the training, but genuinely for me – in the 20 years I've been doing it – it's the satisfaction of knowing if somebody's in trouble, we'll go and help them," Mr Lazenby said.

"Anything you do when you're helping others is hugely satisfying; to be able to do that is a real privilege."