Experiment

Thames lifeboat

Take the helm of an E-class, the fast waterjet lifeboat the RNLI runs on the tidal Thames, from a pontoon by Waterloo Bridge. Learn how she handles, then take a shout: find someone in the water, bring them aboard without swamping them, and get back alongside.

• Tower lifeboat station sits by Waterloo Bridge and is the busiest in the UK and Ireland.
• A Thames crew is on duty around the clock and aims to launch within 90 seconds of the Coastguard’s call.
• The E-class Mk 2 is 10.5 m long, carries a crew of four and reaches 40 knots on twin waterjets.

Take a shout

An unofficial simulator, not made with or endorsed by the RNLI. The river is straightened and shortened, and the shouts are made up.