I’ve been volunteering for the RNLI to help save lives at sea, by rivers and lakes and especially in and around our coastlines and cliff tops, for 24 years this year as has my husband, Brian.

Too many people are still drowning. More than ever we need the RNLI’s help and as a charity, the RNLI depends on our donations so it can go on saving lives and keeping us and our loved ones safe. Unfortunately, many people accidentally fall or slip into the water and are unable to get themselves out to safety.

RNLI lifesavers are our lifeline. They’re the lifeboat and shore crews who provide 24-hour search and rescues right around the UK and Ireland - along 19,000 miles of coastline - working in partnership with the Coastguard and other medical and airborne services.

We work together as one team, a co-operative of skills and experience, supporting each other in preventative work - including our lifeguards who keep watch on 240 of the busiest beaches in the UK and Channel Islands, and our RNLI safety teams and educators who also work tirelessly to stop people getting into trouble in the first place.

It’s 24/7, 365 days a year and no questions asked.

We are here to save lives and do the best we can to educate and prevent the preventable from happening.

You can play such an important part in helping us to do this by remembering our four key messages:

Stop and think - check wind direction, the weather, sea state and visibility -plan ahead and check out where you are intending to go

Stay together -let people know where you are, who you are with and when you should return

Float to live - lay on your back and make a starfish shape

Know how to call emergency services -999 or 112

Thank you for supporting us!

Anne

Visits’ Volunteer