About us
The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. Powered primarily by kind donations, our search and rescue service has been saving lives for 200 years.
We are a charity founded upon and driven by our values of selflessness, courage, dependability and trustworthiness, with volunteers at our heart. Values shared by generations of supporters like you who have powered our lifesaving work through your kindness and generosity for 200 years.
The vast majority of RNLI people are volunteers - ordinary people doing extraordinary things - supported by expert staff, all working together to help communities at home and abroad save lives.
How the RNLI is run
The RNLI relies on thousands of dedicated volunteers to run our lifesaving service. Separate from the coastguard and independent of government, we are a charity with one aim – to save every one.
1824 The year the RNLI was founded
97% of our operational crew are volunteers
146,000+ lives saved since formation
355 lives saved in 2023
Jobs at the RNLI
Our people
Trustworthy, courageous, dedicated. The RNLI is made up of dedicated people who are working to make the waters around the UK and Ireland a safer place. From the volunteers who launch and crew the lifeboats, run the shops and raise funds, to the staff who support them, we are working as one crew to save lives at sea.
RNLI Christmas Appeal – help us to save every one
Learn more about how the RNLI is run
Finding new ways to save lives through innovation, data analysis, and new technology.