Lifeboat volunteer salutes the NHS

Lifesaving is what the RNLI is all about

But now it’s NHS staff that have the biggest shout

Lifeboat volunteers must admire their self-less devotion

And pray fighting Covid -19 achieves a speedy resolution

Meanwhile UK waters are largely devoid of boats

Meaning far fewer emergencies in which lifeboats race afloat

But time will come when the usual call-out toll will be a fact

So the crews must still prepare for that future rescue act

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.