Lowestoft Lifeboat Station is one of the oldest in the UK. Dating from 1801, it was also the first station to use sailing boats instead of rowing boats, the first being launched in 1807. Today's state-of-the-art boathouse was built as part of the £2 million regeneration of Lowestoft's seafront. It houses crew facilities, a souvenir shop and an information point. Next door, a secure pontoon holds the station's all-weather Tyne Class lifeboat.