It is only in the last few years that I have become aware that there are lifeboats operating in English waters other than those funded and operated by the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, (RNLI). The first one that I saw is that based on the River Hamble, an image of which appears in this Sub Gallery. The second and most recent sighting of an independent lifeboat is that of the Freshwater Independent Lifeboat based in Freshwater Bay on the Isle of Wight which appears in this image and which I captured in July 2022 from the shingle bank at Calshot Castle Southampton. The image shows the Freshwater lifeboat motoring down Southampton Water, heading in the direction of the Solent presumably heading back to its home station. The Freshwater Independent Lifeboat organisation have a very interesting Web site for lifeboat enthusiasts that explains their role, aims and area of operation.