MALDON District Council has helped celebrate a major milestone for one of the community's most valued organisations – the 60th anniversary of the Burnham-on-Crouch Lifeboat.

To mark the anniversary, the Chairman of Maldon District Council, Cllr Kevin Lagan, visited Burnham-on-Crouch Lifeboat Station on Monday (16 March). During the visit he presented the crew with a formal letter of recognition on behalf of the Council, thanking the dedicated volunteers who give up their time to keep people safe on the water.

Cllr Lagan has also made a donation on behalf of the Council to the Maldon and Burnham RNLI fundraising branches in acknowledgement of the charity's vital work.

The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) is the charity that saves lives at sea. Powered by volunteers and supported by public donations, the RNLI provides a 24‑hour search and rescue service around the coast of the UK and Ireland.

In Burnham-on-Crouch, the RNLI has had a presence since 1966. The first lifeboat station was based at the Royal Corinthian Yacht Club, from where crews carried out lifesaving work for 30 years. As this station only operated during the summer months, the organisation invested in a new, purpose-built lifeboat station at Burnham Marina, opening in 1996.

This move allowed the RNLI to expand its local capability, housing two inshore lifeboats within a floating boathouse. The upgraded facilities transformed response times and created year‑round, 24‑hour access to the river – significantly improving safety for sailors, water users, and the wider coastal community.

Over the decades, the Burnham-on-Crouch lifeboat crew – past and present – have responded to countless emergencies, providing reassurance and rescue to those in difficulty. The rivers and coast play a central role in the identity, history, and economy of the Maldon District, and the Council and its residents greatly appreciate the commitment shown by the lifeboat volunteers.

Speaking at the presentation Cllr Kevin Lagan said: "The RNLI sits at the heart of our communities. For 60 years, the crew at Burnham-on-Crouch have stepped forward, day or night, to help anyone who gets into trouble on the water. Their dedication, courage, and community spirit are exactly what makes this district such a special place. It's only right that the Council recognises the vital service these volunteers provide, and I want to personally thank every crew member – past and present – for everything they do."

Simon Dennis, Burnham-on-Crouch RNLI Operations Manager, added: "We are extremely grateful to the Council and Chairman for this appreciation of the work our volunteer crews do, ashore and afloat, especially in our 60th anniversary year at Burnham.

"Whilst no-one volunteers with the RNLI for recognition, it is great to know our local authority partners value the service we provide. As Lifeboat Operations Manager, it is my privilege to lead the team here, and we always welcome the opportunity to showcase the work we carry out for our local communities."

Residents are encouraged to visit https://rnli.org/ to find out more about the RNLI and its lifesaving work.