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About us

We are the RNLI: the charity that saves lives at sea. Every day of every year, people of all backgrounds get into danger in the water. It’s a problem that we’re here to tackle. 
What we do
St Mary’s Severn class lifeboat powering through the waves

With your support, we save lives at sea

We save lives at sea through lifeboat search and rescue, lifeguards, water safety initiatives and flood rescue.

What we do
How we save lives
Working together: lifeboat crew member and lifeguard help a swimmer to shore.
Our strategy
Working together with partners and communities, we aim to educate, influence, supervise and rescue those at risk from drowning.
How we save lives
Delve into our history
Hunstanton crew onboard their Self Righting class lifeboat, Licensed Victualler, as she sits on her horse-drawn carriage on the beach. Circa 1900-1931.
Our history
Since 1824 we’ve pioneered developments in lifesaving at sea. And our lifesavers have shown unfailing courage and selflessness.
Delve into our history
Meet our crowd
Group shot of fundraisers, including cyclists, runners, bakers, dog walkers and yellow welly wearers.
Our people
From our lifesavers and volunteers, to our staff and supporters, we’re all ordinary people doing extraordinary things.
Meet our crowd
See how we’re run
Swanage RNLI’s Shannon class lifeboat, George Thomas Lacy 13-13, at sea.
How the RNLI is run
We are separate from the Coastguard, independent of the Government and rely on our volunteers and supporters to run our lifesaving service.
See how we’re run
Our research
Launch and recovery excercise of the Dungeness Shannon class lifeboat The Morrell 13-02
Our research

Finding new ways to save lives through innovation, data analysis, and new technology.

Our research
Our Sustainability Plan
Port Isaac crew in their D class lifeboat in rough seas.
Sustainability
We’re committed to saving lives at sea indefinitely, which means being as sustainable as we can in everything we do.
Our Sustainability Plan
Visit our recruitment website
RNLI face-to-face fundraisers at the 2015 RNLI Open Weekend
Work for us
Put your skills to good use and make a lifesaving difference. Take a look at our volunteering and job opportunities.
Visit our recruitment website
Find the best way for you
Portrait of Tower RNLI Crew Member Tim McDonnell
Contact us
You’re at the heart of everything we do and we love to hear from you. Depending on your enquiry, there are many ways to contact us.
Find the best way for you
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Lifeboat volunteers need your help right now

Our crews are facing their toughest Christmas ever. Call outs are increasing, but RNLI income has gone down. And people are still getting into danger in the water. It’s a Perfect Storm. But you can help them through it with a donation today.