RNLI to feature in new TV series

The four-part documentary series will feature RNLI crew members from numerous lifeboat stations around the UK.

The series, named Saving Lives at Sea, is part of a special volunteering season by the BBC called Do Something Great. It’s a real-life portrayal of the lifesaving work that RNLI volunteers carry out around our coasts 24/7. The first episode will be aired on Wednesday 13 July, with the remaining three episodes broadcast each Wednesday after that, ending on 3 August.

Filmed over the past year with lifeboat stations across the UK, the series portrays what life is like for the charity’s volunteers who must be ready at any time of day or night to help someone in trouble at sea or on the River Thames.
 
Lifeboat crew from stations including; Abersoch, Brighton, Blackpool, Eastbourne, Islay, Rhyl, Torbay, Tower, The Mumbles, Moelfre, Oban, Newquay and New Quay all feature in the series – several of which have, over the past year, carried special cameras and equipment on their lifeboats and welcomed film makers into station life.
 
The series follows dramatic real-life rescue situations, while also uncovering the heart-warming and poignant reasons why people from all walks of life volunteer to put their lives on the line to save others, and the vital support they receive from their families and communities.
 
Last year alone, RNLI lifeboat crews around the UK and Ireland rescued nearly 8,000 people, saving 348 lives.
 
Saving Lives at Sea will be broadcast weekly from Wednesday 13 July to Wednesday 3 August on BBC1 at 9pm. The series is made for the BBC by Blast! Films.

Notes to Editors
• RNLI crew members who feature in the series are available for interview. Please contact RNLI PR on the numbers below to arrange interviews.

Media contacts
For more information please contact RNLI Public Relations Officer Laura Haslam on [email protected] / 01202 663181, or Ben Whybrow in the BBC Press Office on [email protected].

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,000 lives.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, X, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.