Coronavirus Update

'The welfare of our volunteers, supporters and staff along with our ability to maintain our world-class lifesaving service is our priority.

‘With this in mind, and given the current situation with COVID-19, we have taken the decision to close all RNLI shops, museums and visitor centres with immediate effect. Our lifeboat stations remain operational and we will continue to respond to those in need but will not be open to visitors.

‘Our lifeboats will continue to launch to those in peril at sea.'

ENDS

For more information please contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789 or via [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.