RNLI

Today, we celebrate 200 years of saving lives at sea. Since we were founded on 4 March 1824, our lifesavers have saved over 146,000 lives – that's two lives every day on average. Whether that’s lifeboat crews launching at a moment’s notice, lifeguards patrolling our beaches, or our water safety teams sharing lifesaving skills at home and overseas, we’ve strived to save every one. We’re able to do this thanks to two constants in our 200-year history: our selfless volunteers, who give their time and commitment to save others, and the kindness of supporters like you, powering our lifesavers for 200 years and counting. Thanks to you, we can always answer the call. We’d love to hear your stories, thoughts and memories of the RNLI as we celebrate our 200th anniversary 👇 #RNLI #RNLI200 #200Years #SavingLivesAtSea #Volunteers #ThankYou #LifeboatCrew #Lifeguards

We're off to a good start with our first monthly round-up of 2025 🙌 It's been lovely to see people getting outside for walks and cold dips, even in the wintry weather. The days might still be short, but at least we don't have to get up too early to see some beautiful winter sunrises! Do you have a favourite image this month? #RNLI #Charity #Volunteers

Find out how we're helping to save lives this International Day of Education 👇 Every year, drowning claims the lives of over 300,000 people globally. Drowning is among the ten leading causes of death for children aged 5-14 years.* Education is key to tackling the drowning problem, as many of these deaths are preventable. Together with Royal Life Saving Society Commonwealth, we hosted a knowledge sharing event to increase awareness and encourage action on the need to integrate drowning prevention interventions in education initiatives. Guests heard about the global context of drowning prevention and its links to education. We showcased stories of success to inspire attendees and highlighted the World Health Organization's Global Status Report (for drowning prevention) and its links to education and youth. An event highlight was a presentation from The Panje Project on the integration of water safety education into Zanzibar's national curriculum. A panel discussion and networking space allowed for questions to be asked and connections to be made. One key question was, how can we integrate water safety into schools? Only by talking together can solutions be found. And it's only together that we can save every one. * Stat: National Water Safety Forum 2023 #RNLI #InternationalDayOfEducation #DrowningPrevention

Brand partnerships have been a vital part of our fundraising efforts over the last 200 years. Take a stroll down memory lane with us as we remember some of our most iconic collaborations 💙 John West Foods raised an incredible £40,000 for the RNLI in 1990 by dishing out limited edition tea towels with special packs of fish products. We'd like to think that 35 years later someone is still using one of these to dry their cups! Many hands make lifesaving work. The RNLI and Lifebuoy first joined forces over 100 years ago. Back in 1969, Birds Eye UK & IE funded the purchase of a lifeboat. The vessel is no longer active but it's on display at Moelfre RNLI Seawatch Centre. If you're a brand that would like your next collaboration to save lives at sea, then get in touch via corporate@rnli.org.uk #RNLI #BrandPartnerships #SavingLivesAtSea

Welcome to Barry Dock RNLI’s newest recruit 👶 On 23 December, volunteer crew member, Gerwyn, and his wife Zoe, were blessed with the best Christmas gift of all - the arrival of their son, Llewellyn. And at just 2 weeks old, Llewellyn paid his first visit to the Barry Dock Lifeboat Station with his dad and sister, giving mum a well-earned rest! Volunteering with us for two years, Gerwyn has attended many shouts, including one where children were rescued from a semi-submerged inflatable pool drifting out with the tide. Reflecting on the incident, Gerwyn admits that being a parent brings these moments even closer to home. He says: 'You can't help but picture your own child in those situations - it makes the importance of what we do feel even more personal.' Join us in extending our heartfelt congratulations to Gerwyn, Zoe and their family on welcoming their future crew mate in the making 🎉 #RNLI #BabyOnBoard #FutureCrew #Barry #BarryIsland

Learn more about how we're working to help prevent drowning in Thailand 👇 Drowning is the leading cause of death among Thai children under 15 years old. Every year, 1,500 people drown in Thailand. [2023 figures.] The Ministry of Public Health of Thailand took action and spearheaded a comprehensive drowning prevention programme in 2015. The MERIT MAKER initiative was developed, encompassing ten preventative components including day care. Day care ensures a safe environment for children when their parents are working, meaning they are not left unattended near river banks for example. The impact of the MERIT MAKER initiative has been significant. Since its implementation, drowning incidents among children under 15 have decreased by an impressive 33.5% (2014-2020). These results highlight the programme's effectiveness in saving lives and protecting communities. Alongside the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Ministry of Public Health we co-hosted a recent Global Workshop on Day Care and Drowning Prevention in Chiang Mai. The workshop brought together 30 experts to discuss integrating drowning prevention into community-based day-care and Early Childhood Development activities. Participants exchanged insights and explored a WHO practical guidance document. They observed Thailand’s MERIT MAKER programme during a field trip showcasing community-based interventions like day care centres. We're proud to have supported evidence-based, cost-effective drowning prevention interventions that are rooted in the communities they seek to save through co-hosting this event. Gatherings such as the workshop, allow for knowledge sharing and discussion. Only together can we save every one. #RNLI #DrowningPrevention #ColloborativeWorking

Did you know our crews train in casualty care? Our Casualty Care Course is essential training that equips our volunteer crew with the skills they need to provide effective care. It ensures that a casualty gets help before paramedics or doctors arrive on the scene of a rescue. But it's more than just first aid - this course prepares our crews to handle challenging situations with confidence, often in difficult conditions. Casualty care isn't only about helping with wounds but also showing compassion and kindness 🧡 During the course participants engage in hands-on practical exercises. We use check cards during rescues, these mean volunteers don't have to memorise complex procedures. The cards follow precise steps to ensure nothing is missed, enabling our crew members to assess how best to preserve life, prevent deterioration and promote recovery. Each trainee must pass practical and written assessments. The final part of the assessments involves participants working in pairs to assess and treat a casualty in a practical scenario, an example is shown in the photo. Katie is a new graduate, alongside her fellow volunteers at Barry Dock RNLI, she is now ready to provide lifesaving care when it’s needed most. Three cheers to our amazing crews and their skills, and to the trainers who make sure we are always ready to save lives at sea 🙌 #RNLI #VolunteersMakeADifference #CasualtyCare

We’re delighted to announce that seven of our amazing volunteers have been recognised in His Majesty The King’s New Year Honours. Together, they have dedicated 223 years’ of service to saving lives at sea 🙌 For 65 years, Sheila Warner has gone above and beyond for us and has been awarded an MBE. From station opening days, to assisting at carol services, Sheila has helped to raise more than £500,000 over the last 10 years with Wells RNLI Lifeboat Guild. David Lipp has been awarded an MBE, he’s been volunteering for Invergordon RNLI for 50 years - ever since the station opened in 1974. David has filled many roles, including being coxswain between 1981 and 1998 where he played a pivotal part in a number of difficult rescues. Paddy McLaughlin, Coxswain at Red Bay RNLI, has been awarded an MBE for 43 years' voluntary service. In his other role as an RNLI Trustee, Paddy has helped to shape our lifesaving strategy and supported many strategic partnerships. For 33 years’ service with Douglas RNLI Lifeboat Guild, Gilli Cowley has been awarded a BEM. The Guild has raised £1 million for our lifesavers since she was made Chair in 2005. For 32 years of service at Looe RNLI, David Haines has been awarded a BEM. David has held multiple roles. When 19-year-old Ollie Naismith tragically lost his life in 2009, David drove an appeal to fund and name a lifeboat in his honour. The station now has two inshore lifeboats named in Ollie’s memory. RNLI Kirkwall Lifeboat crew member Kenneth Gee, has been awarded an MBE for 24 years of service. Since joining us, Kenneth has saved nine lives. He was inspired to volunteer by his grandfather's stories of our brave crew who lost their lives in the Longhope Lifeboat disaster in 1969. Also receiving an MBE is Norman Niven, chair of the Aberdour RNLI Committee. Norman has been recognised for his outstanding contribution to the community in Aberdour, Fife. RNLI Chief Executive, Peter Sparkes told us: ‘What a wonderful way to end the RNLI’s 200th anniversary year with recognition for these volunteers from right across the UK. For a charity to have survived 200 years based on the time and commitment of volunteers – and on the sheer generosity of the public who provide kind donations – is truly remarkable. Our volunteers are the heart of our lifesaving service – we couldn’t do what we do without them.’ #RNLI #NewYearHonours #Recognition #VolunteeringMatters

What an unforgettable year it’s been! As we close the chapter on our 200th year we’re looking back at the incredible journey. From launching our first video game, to celebrating at Buckingham Palace, every moment has been a testament to the dedication of our community. We'd like to say a big thank you for being part of our story. Here’s to 200 years of saving lives at sea and to the future, together 💙 #RNLI200

Fishguard crew member Jessica has become the first at the station to hit 200 hours at sea in 2024. What better time to reach this incredible milestone than during our 200th year! Her dedication and hard work have resulted in the most sea hours seen at the station in eight years - an outstanding achievement 👏 Join us in congratulating Jessica 👇