The name change of the lifeboat station was a result of the merger of two RNLI branches: Lytham and St Annes. The St Annes Station had been closed in 1925, and the two towns had combined to form Lytham St Annes in 1922. This consolidation led to the renaming of the lifeboat station to reflect the new unified town.
The first lifeboat at the station was named The Clifton and served from 1851 to 1855. It was provided by the Shipwrecked Fishermen and Mariners’ Society, with additional funding coming from local subscriptions. The Clifton played a crucial role in the early years of the lifeboat service, but its time in service was marked by a tragic incident in 1852. During a routine training exercise, The Clifton capsized. This disaster claimed the lives of eight crew members: William Swann, John Davies, George Cookson, John Gillett, Thomas Gillett, Thomas Hardman, John Whiteside, and James Winders. The incident was devastating for the local community, leaving behind eight widows and 28 children. Despite the loss, two people were saved from the wreckage.
The Clifton continued to serve until 1855 when it was replaced by a new lifeboat. In response to the tragedy, a fundraising appeal was launched to support the families of the deceased crew members, raising a substantial £1,060. The lifeboat station was officially taken over by the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) in 1854, reflecting a significant development in its operations and support.
This early period of the station’s history highlights the vital role and the risks associated with lifeboat work. The Clifton’s service and the tragic accident underscore the bravery of the lifeboat crews and the importance of community support in sustaining these life-saving operations.
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