A flotilla of lifeboats, with two Shannon class lifeboats, a B class lifeboat and a D class lifeboat. Photo: Nicholas Leach.

Which RNLI lifeboat are you?

Tuesday 28 July 2026

B class, Shannon, hovercraft … there are so many different lifesavers in our fleet, but have you ever wondered which you’d be? Take our quiz to find out!

It's the weekend and you fancy a trip to the coast:

Would you rather go surfing or take a scenic boat trip?

Go surfing Take a boat trip

A group of yachts in a race, in turquoise seas and beneath blue sky.

When you're not listening to your favourite sea shanties ...

Are you more likely to listen to 90s rock or 00s pop?

90s music 00s music

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Imagine you’re going on holiday ...

Would you pick a relaxing beach trip or go for an action-packed city break?

Beach trip City break

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Boscombe Beach, in Dorset, on a sunny day.

You're enjoying a relaxing river cruise ...

What wildlife would you be most excited to spot: beavers or dolphins?

Beavers Dolphins

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Two dolphins jump out of the water, near Tobermory's lifeboat.

Pick a superpower:

You can have high-tech gadgets, like Batman, or the ability to fly, like Superman

Batman's gadgets Superman's flight

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Sandy the lifeguard, from Storm Force, dressed as a superhero, with a wetsuit and cape. She's flying through the sky.

You have time for a cuppa and some TV

Would you rather craft with Blue Peter or solve a mystery with Sherlock?

Blue Peter Sherlock

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A bone china mug from the RNLI's Heritage range, celebrating the RNLI's 200th anniversary.

You're working with a group of people:

Would you prefer a more supportive role, or are you happy in the spotlight?

Support Spotlight

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Hoylake RNLI's Shannon class all-weather lifeboat launches from its launch and recovery system at dusk. A strong beam of light from the recovery system is shining onto the shore.

If someone's giving you a compliment ...

Would you rather be called 'wise' or 'strong'? (We're sure you're both!)

Wise Strong

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You're visiting an RNLI Shop:

Which of our lovely bears would you choose?

Milly Lifeboat Crew Bear Lifeguards Bear

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Two teddy bears from RNLI Shop, Milly Lifeboat Crew Bear - dressed like an inshore crew member - and RNLI Lifeguards Bear, dressed like an RNLI lifeguard.

You’re a Severn class

You can handle the toughest situations! Much like a Severn class, the largest lifeboat in the fleet, you’re reliable, stable and strong. Did you know that crews can be out at sea for hours, facing huge waves, gale-force winds and pitch-black darkness? When the going gets tough, people can depend on you – you’re an absolute asset.

Learn about the Severn

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An aerial shot of Mallaig RNLI's Severn class lifeboat in flat, calm seas.

You’re a rescue hovercraft

You're reliable, direct and great in sticky situations! When people get caught out by the rising tide or trapped in quicksand, the rescue hovercraft will fly over mud, sand and shallow water to save the day. We think people can also depend on you to be there for them – and you'll always show up on time!

Learn about the rescue hovercraft

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RNLI hovercraft, Samburgh, on service as relief craft at Hunstanton RNLI.

You’re a Tamar class

You’re strong and resilient – just like the Tamar. It’s very agile and can manoeuvre out of tight situations, so we think you’re pretty resourceful too. This pioneering lifeboat was the first to be fitted with an integrated electronic system, allowing the crew to operate the lifeboat from the safety of their shock-absorbing seats.

Learn about the Tamar

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Kilmore Quay's Tamar class lifeboat in rough seas, with lots of sea spray.

You’re a Shannon class

You’re inventive, easy-going and probably keep up to date with the latest tech! Like the Shannon, our first lifeboat to be propelled by waterjets, you’re happy to be a trailblazing pioneer. It's the latest class of all-weather lifeboat to join the RNLI fleet, so we think you must be youthful - or at least, young at heart.

Learn about the Shannon

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A Shannon class lifeboat near cliffs in Dorset

You’re an E class

You’re fast, efficient and love the excitement of a city – just like the E class! With a top speed of 40 knots, it’s the fastest in the RNLI fleet and was specially designed for London’s busy River Thames. And when people are at the mercy of the river’s cold temperatures, fast-flowing currents and busy traffic, every second counts.

Learn about the E class

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Tower RNLI's E class lifeboat, Hearn Medicine Chest.

You’re a D class

You’re loyal, dependable and hardworking – just like the D class. With over 60 years’ service, this lifeboat is often referred to as the ‘workhorse of the RNLI fleet’. Our volunteers rely on it for searches close to the shore, particularly around shallow waters, cliffs and rocks, where bigger lifeboats can’t reach.

Learn about the D class

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Swanage RNLI's D class inshore lifeboat being launched on a training exercise.

You’re a B class

You’re helpful, enthusiastic and always on the move! You remind us of a B class lifeboat, because when it comes to racing to the scene, it’s one of the fastest in the fleet. You may not have two 115hp 4-stroke engines or a top speed of 35 knots, but when it matters, you’ll always come running to help those in need.

Learn about the B class

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An aerial drone shot of Kirkcudbright RNLI's Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat, Sheila Stenhouse.

You’re an inshore rescue boat

You’re dependable, energetic and happiest at the beach! You remind us of our inshore rescue boat, which helps RNLI lifeguards reach people struggling in the surf when the seconds are precious. We bet your friends have referred to you as a lifesaver at some point too!

Learn about the inshore rescue boat

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Senior Lifeguards aboard an RNLI inshore rescue boat.

You’re a tractor

You’re not a lifeboat at all – you’re a tractor! RNLI tractors help lifeboats launch to the rescue, pulling more than their weight to help our crews get to people in trouble. We think you’re a supportive, kind, strong person, who always helps those around them. You’re a real team player who’s there for their loved ones.

Learn about tractors

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An RNLI tractor at New Brighton launching the Atlantic 85 B class lifeboat with a carriage.

You're a Trent class

You’re a dependable and reassuring presence – just like our Trent class lifeboat. Your friends and family probably turn to you for help a lot – and we bet you give really good advice. The Trent class was the first lifeboat capable of 25 knots, setting the precedent for the rest of the fleet, so we think you might be a bit of a trendsetter too!

Learn about the Trent

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Dunbar RNLI's Trent class all-weather lifeboat, John Neville Taylor, at sea during a training exercise.

Shop your lifeboat

Pleased with your result? Shop our lifeboats collection and find everything from model lifeboats, cute crew and lifeguard teddies, and lifeboat stat tote bags and tea towels. It's a wonderful way to proudly show your support - and remember, every £1 spent will help fund everything RNLI lifesavers need to launch to the rescue.

Shop your lifeboat