Swanage Lifeboat Week 2025
The annual Swanage RNLI Week is the organisation’s biggest fundraising event, packed with exciting activities and entertainment for all ages. Whether you’re a local resident or visiting on holiday, there’s something for everyone to enjoy – from thrilling lifeboat demonstrations and quirky duck races to live music, sporting competitions, seaside family fun and lively community gatherings.
Join the spirit of generosity and adventure as each event not only raises much-needed funds, but also helps spread the vital message of lifesaving at sea. The RNLI’s dedicated volunteers rely on your help to continue their courageous mission, and every pound raised makes a real difference to saving lives. Bring your friends and family along, get involved, and create memories while supporting an essential cause at the very heart of coastal life. Don’t miss out – your presence makes all the difference!
Schedule for the week!
Saturday 9th August
- 10 am to 4 pm: Ducks on sale in town for tomorrow’s race £2.50 each
- 11 am to 4 pm: Boathouse open day, lifeboat launches and demos
- 6 pm to 9 pm: Angling Competition – Swanage Angling Club
Sunday 10th August
- 10 am to 4 pm: Charity Duck Race. Ducks on sale in town for £2.50 each
- 4 pm to 4.30 pm: Duck Race, start outside The Con Club, finish at The Mowlem
Monday 11th August
- 7 pm to 10.30 pm: Outdoor theatre ‘The Rivals’ at Prince Albert Gardens
- 8 pm to 11 pm: Darts Trophy – Swanage Royal British Legion (teams of 4) register from 7 pm
Tuesday 12th August
- 10 am to 12 noon: Crabbing competition (enter at Swanage Sea Fishing Hut – Lower High Street)
- 6.30 pm to 8.30 pm: Swanage Sailing Club, Fun Sailing Race (start/finish at The Mowlem)
Wednesday 13th August
- 7 pm: Lighthouse Loop – 5K trail run (6 pm sign in)
Thursday 14th August
- 6.15 pm: Lifeboat launch
- 6.30 pm to 8.30 pm: Swanage Sailing Club Senior Race
- 6 pm to 9 pm: Gig Race Main Beach
- 8 pm to 11 pm: Fun quiz Swanage Royal British Legion – Teams of up to 6, £3 per person
Friday 15th August
- 9 am to 1 pm: Flag Day street collection
- 6.30 pm to 7.30 pm: Rescue the Damsel Raft Race, Main beach (sign in from 17:30)
- 6 pm to 11 pm: Live music, bar and barbecue at Prince Albert Gardens (free entry)
Saturday 16th August
- 11 am to 4 pm: Lifeboat fayre and refreshments at Prince Albert Gardens
- 12 noon to 4 pm: Build a boat competition at Prince Albert Gardens
- 12 noon to 4 pm: Live music, bar and barbecue at Prince Albert Gardens (free entry)
- 3 pm: Swanage Bay Fish, lobster raffle draw at Prince Albert Gardens
- 3.30 pm: Swanage Lifeboat fayre raffle draw
- 4 pm to 5 pm: Build a Boat race, The Stone Quay
- 6 pm to 11 pm: Live music, bar and barbecue at Prince Albert Gardens (free entry)
Sunday 17th August
- 5.30 pm: Lifeboat church service at Swanage Pier (access from 5.15 pm)
