A brief history of Brighton Lifeboat

1996

Silver Medal awarded to helmsman Richard Pearce in recognition of his courage, initiative and seamanship, and Bronze Medals awarded to crew Martin Ebdell and Edward Purches in recognition of the initiative, determination and selflessness displayed during the service on 7/8 September 1995 when the lifeboat rescued two young woman clinging to the supports beneath the Palace Pier approximately 20 yards off the beach in very rough seas and in heavy breaking surf.

A Framed Letter of Thanks signed by the Chairman of the Institution was awarded to Brighton Lifeboat Station recognising the role played by the station as a whole. Framed Letters of Thanks signed by the Chairman were also awarded to Auxiliary Coastguard Mt Peter Apps and Nick Gilbert recognising their efforts on the beach during this rescue.

The Walter and Elizabeth Groombridge Award for the most meritorious service performed by an Atlantic 21 class lifeboat during 1995 was awarded to the crew of this service and The Maude Smith Bequest for the most outstanding act of life saving was awarded to crew member Richard Pearce the following year.

1986

The Thanks of the Institution inscribed on Vellum was accorded to Helmsman Alan Young, crew Roger Cohen and Stanley Todd in recognistion of the skill determination and teamwork displayed when rescuing the crew of three from a yacht 'Astrionella' in extremely hazardous conditions on 26 August. The relief ILB B520 capsized three times during this service.

1979

Station became fully operational from April after being on restricted service since 1978. The boat had operated from an afloat berth in the Marina until a pontoon costing £10,000 was provided for the Atlantic 21 lifeboat. The pontoon become operational from 24 December.

1978

In May a reserve McLachlan class lifeboat was sent to the station for crew training. It was withdrawn in July when B539 was placed on restricted service.