The UN has acknowledged drowning as an important international issue, and set out actions that every country should take to prevent this unnecessary loss of life.

Many of us rely on lifeguards to keep our families safe at the seaside. Today, to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the service, we highlight 20 skills of our trusty lifeguards.

With two dog walkers stuck in the mud, and the water rising fast around them, our hovercraft crew at Hoylake knew they were in a race against time.

You’ve seen and read about dramatic rescues carried out by our volunteers – a battle with wind and waves, the moment they snatched someone to safety. But how does a rescue mission come together in the first place, and what happens behind the scenes? We explain the vital first six steps in any lifeboat rescue: