Thames lifeboat volunteers in Wandsworth settle into new riverside home

Thames lifeboat volunteers in Wandsworth have launched from their first purpose-built station at Point Pleasant, just downstream of Putney Bridge. After nearly 25 years operating from borrowed rooms at Chiswick Pier, the crew now have dedicated kit storage and bunk rooms in a facility that better reflects the demands of river rescue work. For anyone who walks the Thames Path between Richmond and Putney, the new station is a visible sign that volunteer rescue cover on this stretch of water has become permanent.

The RNLI crew moved into the new Wandsworth Riverside Lifeboat Station in late September 2026.

From temporary quarters to permanent base

The crew outgrew the space they shared with Chiswick Pier Trust

The volunteers had been based at Chiswick since 2026, sharing facilities with the pier trust in a building never designed for lifeboat operations. As rescue call-outs increased and crew numbers grew, the borrowed rooms became impractical for storing specialist equipment and providing rest space for volunteers on standby. The new station at Wandsworth Riverside gives the crew dedicated kit rooms, bunk facilities, and direct river access at Point Pleasant, a short distance downstream from Putney.

A crew that began as a temporary measure now has the infrastructure to match its role in Thames safety.

What the new station means for river safety

Faster launch times and better crew welfare drive the move

The purpose-built facility allows volunteers to respond more quickly to emergencies on the tidal Thames between Richmond and central London. With kit stored properly and crew able to rest on-site during shifts, response times should improve. The station also signals the RNLI’s long-term commitment to this section of river, which sees heavy recreational use from rowing clubs, paddleboarders, and riverside walkers, particularly during summer months.

For a waterway that looks calm but can turn treacherous on the tide, having a permanent rescue presence matters more than most walkers realise.

What this means for you

If you row, paddle, or regularly walk the Thames Path between Richmond and Putney, the new station at Point Pleasant means rescue cover is now better equipped and faster to respond. The crew operate year-round, so whether you are launching from one of the local rowing clubs or simply enjoying the towpath, volunteers trained in water rescue are permanently based nearby. The station sits on the Wandsworth side of the river, visible from the path just west of Putney Bridge, and the crew continue to work closely with Richmond’s riverside community and water users.

A crew that spent a quarter-century in temporary quarters now has a permanent home that reflects the seriousness of their work. For Richmond’s stretch of the Thames, that means better-prepared volunteers and faster help when the river turns dangerous.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is the new lifeboat station?

The new Wandsworth Riverside Lifeboat Station is at Point Pleasant, on the south bank of the Thames just downstream of Putney Bridge. You can see it from the Thames Path.

Does this station cover Richmond's stretch of river?

Yes. The crew respond to incidents on the tidal Thames between Richmond and central London, including the stretches past Kew, Mortlake, and Barnes.

Can I volunteer with the lifeboat crew?

The RNLI recruits volunteers for crew and shore-based roles. Training is provided, and you need to be reasonably fit and able to commit to regular shifts. Contact the RNLI directly for current opportunities.

Why did the crew leave Chiswick after so long?

They outgrew the shared space at Chiswick Pier. The new station at Wandsworth provides dedicated facilities, better kit storage, and improved access for launches, which helps response times.

Useful resources

• Richmond upon Thames river safety guidance