Since 1824 we’ve pioneered developments in lifesaving at sea. And our lifesavers have shown unfailing courage and selflessness.
Delve into our history
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 nearly 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 almost 200 years.
Volunteers make up 95% of our organisation - ordinary people doing extraordinary things - supported by expert staff, all working together to help communities at home and abroad save lives.
Our history
The RNLI was set up in 1824 after our founder, Sir William Hillary, decided to take action to try and stop the loss of life to shipwreck around our coasts. Since then, over 143,000 lives have been saved. Take a look back through our history and read some of the incredible tales of courage that are a key part of who we are as a charity.
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 RNLI people are volunteers
143,900+ lives saved since formation
408 lives saved in 2021
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.
Learn more about 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
From our lifesavers and volunteers, to our staff and supporters, we’re all ordinary people doing extraordinary things.
Meet our crowd
Working together with partners and communities, we aim to educate, influence, supervise and rescue those at risk from drowning.
How we save lives
Finding new ways to save lives through innovation, data analysis, and new technology.
Our research
We’re committed to saving lives at sea indefinitely, which means being as sustainable as we can in everything we do.
Our Sustainability Plan
Put your skills to good use and make a lifesaving difference. Take a look at our volunteering and job opportunities.
Visit our job site
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