The RNLI are staffed by brave volunteers 24/7, 365 days of the year responding to distress calls at sea, rescuing residents from flooded homes and providing education and training. Despite being such a vital and costly service, they rely solely on public donations. In many countries such as the US lifeboat services are operated by the Coast Guard and therefore funded by government or military establishments. Whilst HM Coastguard also operate rescue services on Britain's coasts, as well as private lifeboats, the RNLI operate 349 lifeboats as well as a further 108 in their relief fleet across 238 stations.
By supporting the RNLI, you become part of the lifesaving chain that extends its reach up to 100 nautical miles off our coastline, on the Thames and across many inland waterways, in some of the world's most challenging waters.