September 30 2013.


A ceremony was held at Seaford Lifeguards headquarters last week to name the new inshore rescue boat  "Michael Overbury" in a tribute to Michael Overbury MBE,  a long-serving member of Seaford Lifeguards and current Vice President. Mr Overbury served in the Royal Navy during WW2 and is a D Day veteran. He is pictured above at the presentation in the right foreground with his wife Winifred seated in a wheel chair.

The boat was blessed by the Lifeguards' chaplain, the Rev Paul Owen, and the invited guests were treated to a rescue demonstration using the new boat, an Arancia built in New Zealand and designed by John and Chris Speight, former residents of Seaford now living in New Zealand. They are currently visiting the UK and were also present at the ceremony. The Arancia has now become the industry standard for lifeguard teams all over the world.

Seaford Lifeguards is now a declared rescue facility with the HM Coast Guard and now has two Arancia inshore rescue boats available; the original "Andy Allan" now being  four years old.

The event was attended by The Mayor of Seaford, Cllr. Anthony White, Cllr. Ian White, Vice Chair of Lewes District Council and Sam Shippen the Seaford Town Clerk. Ian Kedge and Tony Still attended as representatives from Lewes District Council Environmental Health, and many other friends and supporters of the Lifeguards were present, including representatives form HM Coast Guard and the Royal Society of St George.

The cost of a complete boat with engine and trailer came to over £12,800. Funds were raised by Seaford Lifeguards with big donations from Seaford Head Community College and Seaford Town Council. Donations were also made by the Seaford Bonfire Society and Seaford Live.

The ceremony finished with light refreshments served in the boathouse.