Hamble Lifeboat goes viral on TikTok

Published by

Tom Kilkelly

Credit: Hamble

A lifeboat that operates independently in Southampton water and the Solent, recently gained viral 154,000 views on TikTok for a training video.

The short video showcased a life-saving training winch performed by Hamble Lifeboat in collaboration with Bristow Helicopters and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.

Unlike the RNLI, Independent Lifeboats rely solely on fundraising to keep their operations afloat. This newfound virality is encouraging, as it will inevitably prompt an increase in fundraising and awareness of the cause.

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To tap into a new and younger demographic, the Marketing and Communications volunteer recently decided to create a TikTok account for Hamble Lifeboat.

TikTok's quick and easy format, combined with visually appealing content created by the team has proved to be a successful marketing tool for the independent lifeboat.

According to Hamble Lifeboat the video, filmed by volunteer Chris Bruty, has propelled awareness of Hamble Lifeboat beyond the national sphere and into the global eye.

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”.

Tom Kilkelly

Tom Kilkelly started working as a freelance journalist for The Business Magazine following his graduation from UCL in 2022. During his studies Tom became very interested in the works of Irish authors including Samuel Beckett and Flann O'Brien (Brian O'Nolan). His current role as a freelance business reporter is his first exposure to the world of business journalism. Working at TBM has given Tom the chance to really get to grips with the goings-on in the business hive that is the South East.