About RNLI - Royal National Lifeboat Institution
The RNLI saves lives at sea. RNLI crews rescue an average of 22 people every day.
The RNLI has over 4600 volunteer crew members. They provide a 24-hour rescue service up to 100 miles out from the coasts of the UK and the Republic of Ireland, from 231 strategically placed lifeboat stations.
Our volunteer crews come from all walks of life and will readily exchange leisure, comfort and sleep for cold, wet and fatigue in situations that test their skill, strength and nerve. Over a third of all rescues are in darkness.
It is because lifeboat men and women are largely volunteers that such a high proportion of the RNLI’s money can be spent on first class lifeboats and equipment, not on wages. For every £1 spent, only 4p is used for administration.
Fundraising is a vital part of the activities that support the lifeboat service. It costs over £122m each year (£335,000 every day) to run the RNLI. The RNLI relies on voluntary contributions and legacies for this income.
Although this support is voluntary, the highest standards of professionalism are maintained in every sphere of the RNLI’s activities. Our lifeboats are built to the most stringent specifications and are fitted with the best and most up-to-date equipment.
Our history
The RNLI has a long and distinguished history. In 1824, Sir William Hillary recognised the need for a coordinated lifeboat service and his appeal to the nation led to the foundation of the National Institution for the Preservation of Life from Shipwreck, later to become the RNLI.
One of the most famous lifeboat services took place in 1899, when the Lynmouth lifeboat was hauled for 10 ½ hours overland to get to the aid of a ship in distress. RNLI crews also saved thousands of lives at sea during the First and Second World Wars. In 1941, Henry Blogg, from the Cromer lifeboat station, won his third RNLI Gold Medal, earning him the title ‘The Greatest of all Lifeboatmen.’
Since its formation in 1824 to the present day, RNLI crews have saved over 137,000 lives at sea.
Nowadays, the RNLI has 231 lifeboat stations around the coast of the UK and the Republic of Ireland, including 4 lifeboat stations on the River Thames. In addition, the RNLI provides a seasonal rescue service on selected beaches around the coast of England and Wales.