Morecambe, August 10, 1986: Morecambe was one of the three stations at which the prototype Evans/Avon D class inflatable lifeboat had been on trial. The station's new lifeboat, funded by the bequest of Mr and Mrs William Herring in memory of their son John, was one of the first of this class to go on station. A large crowd (pictured 1) gathered in front of the boathouse for the service of dedication opened by Sam Baxter MBE, president of the fund raising branch.

The Reverend Alan Fisher, minister of Green Street Methodist Church, dedicated the new lifeboat and the local Salvation Army Band played stirring music. Right on cue at the end of the ceremony orange smoke appeared from a fishing boat in the bay and the new lifeboat launched to demonstrate a rescue to a very enthusiastic crowd. During the evening the annual lifeboat service was held at the methodist church..