RNLI to Trial Larger Atlantic 85 Lifeboat at Bude’s Summerleaze Beach

Something different is about to appear on the sand at Summerleaze. Over the coming weeks, beachgoers in Bude will spot an unfamiliar lifeboat being put through its paces, and the outcome could shape how lives are saved along this stretch of the north Cornwall coast.

The RNLI is running a planned trial at Summerleaze Beach to find out whether an Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat, a larger craft than the one currently stationed at Bude, can be launched and recovered safely from the beach.

What Beachgoers Will See

During the trial period, the public might notice a different lifeboat operating from the shoreline, along with RNLI crew and equipment moving around the beach. A temporary fenced compound will also be set up near the lifeboat station to house the trial lifeboat.

The charity says this is routine activity and forms part of its ongoing work to maintain the safest and most effective lifesaving capability for volunteers and the local community.

Why The Trial Matters

Phil Hill, RNLI Area Operations Manager for North Cornwall, explained the thinking behind it.

“This trial gives us the opportunity to assess whether an Atlantic 85 can be launched and recovered safely from Summerleaze Beach. While we already operate this class of lifeboat from several beach launch stations around the coast, every location is different. Each beach has its own topography, hazards, access points and even variations in the sand, all of which can influence safe operations,” Phil said.

He added that a successful trial would mean moving on to the next stage of testing. If the Atlantic 85 cannot operate safely at Bude, the station will keep its current D class lifeboat, which Phil described as an effective and highly capable lifeboat for the area.