The Ilfracombe Lifeboat Station was established in 1828 under local management, but the station appears to have lapsed so the RNLI re-opened the station in 1866 following a local request. A lifeboat house was built to house the lifeboat Broadwater, which was funded from the Gift of Mr R Broadwater of London

Since then, ten all weather lifeboats have served the station, the current Shannon class lifeboat The Barry and Peggy High Foundation being sent to the station in 2015. The station has also 1991 had a series of D-Class Inshore Lifeboats, the current D-Class inshore lifeboat being Deborah Brown III which went on service in 2020.

Since the station was established there have been four gallantry medals awarded, two Silver and two Bronze, the last being awarded in 1984.

The volunteer lifeboat crew provide a 24-hour search and rescue service 365 days a year along the North Devon Coastline, but none of this would be possible without the support of the public and their donations. It costs in the region of £250k a year to run and maintain the service in Ilfracombe, all of which comes from the generous donations of the public.

Through this page you can either make a simple donation to support the work of our volunteers by clicking on the "Give Now" button, or why not create your own JustGiving Fundraising Page by clicking on the "Start Fundraising" button and raise money by carrying out your own event or challenge.

Your contribution will help to fund the selfless work of our volunteer lifeboat crew in Ilfracombe, by doing so you will be helping to save lives around our coast and will be providing the best equipment possible to ensure the safety of our volunteers.