Maritime & Marine
Published: August 21, 2023 | Updated: 23rd August 2023
Hamble Lifeboat, which operates independently in Southampton water and the Solent, has gained viral attention on TikTok.
The operator picked more than 154,000 views on the platform for a training video featuring a life-saving training winch alongside Bristow Helicopters and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.
@hamblelifeboat Training with @Hm coastguard Coastguard Rescue on a busy day for Hamble Lifeboat. #independentlifeboat #lifeboats #hamblelifeboat #savinglivesatsea #independentlifeboatcrew #emergencyservices #southampton #coastguard
Along with highlighting the importance of lifeboat and aircraft familiarisation, the video shines a spotlight on the important work of independent lifeboats in ensuring the safety of people at sea.
Hamble Lifeboat is aiming to harness social media to reach a wider audience, attract potential sponsors and support fundraising efforts. Hamble’s Marketing and Communications volunteer set up a TikTok in an effort to tap into a new and younger audience.
The video showcasing the Bristow Helicopter and Hamble Lifeboat volunteers, filmed by volunteer Chris Bruty, achieved virality through the use of a popular TikTok audio track and hashtags, picking up more than 154,000 views and thousands of likes.
Unlike the RNLI, independent lifeboats rely entirely on fundraising to keep running their operations, with recent support from the National Independent Lifeboat Association enabling national coordination between independent lifeboats.
Coxswain and Station Manager, Paul Ackland said, “social media has been a valuable tool in raising awareness and funds for the Hamble Lifeboat, with a surge in awareness, donations and corporate support in recent years”.
If you would like to get in touch with the team about corporate sponsorships or creating your own fundraising campaign contact the team [email protected] or call 02380452621
