Work to extend the ramp at the Exmouth RNLI Lifeboat Station on the seafront is now complete - and the lifeboats can now launch from the station again.

The work began on 1 November last year and was carried out due to 'significant sand movement' at the bottom of the ramp which prevented the safe launch of the charity's lifeboats.

The extension cost £500k and was funded by public donations.

What has been done?

The RNLI has now extended the ramp at a steeper incline and to a depth of around two and a half metres below the new sand level. The end of the ramp now reaches the bedrock below the sand.

It said that it had investigated the 'best long-term solution' to ensure that the ramp could still be used in future whatever happens with sand levels.

Why wasn't this done initially?

The RNLI has said that the sand levels presented 'no cause for concern' when the station was built, and surveys suggested the length and depth of the ramp was 'more than adequate'.

The level of recent sand loss along Exmouth beach has been 'far greater than the usual rise and fall through the seasons', they added, with many other structures and ramps on the seafront currently being undermined.

Why is the lifeboat station situated where it is?

The lifeboat station on the seafront is situated in an 'ideal' location, the RNLI has said, as it is in the right position for its 'Shannon Launch and Recovery System' which allows rescue operations at any state of tide.

It is also reportedly more accessible as there is no need for a boarding boat, both lifeboats can be housed there, and the crew can have changing and toilet facilities. Maintenance, fuelling and cleaning of the lifeboat are also easier.

There were 'no other options' for the location of the station, and keeping the lifeboat opposite or inside the marina presented problems including not being able to get out to sea at low tide without a carriage-launched lifeboat system, and the busy nature of the marina.

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