Saving Lives at Sea returns for eleventh BBC series

The 10-episode BBC series showcases the courage of RNLI lifesavers around the UK and Ireland as they respond to emergencies around the coast.

The first episode sees rescues from Scarborough, Dungeness, North Berwick and Porthcawl, and episode 4 sees Saving Lives at Sea reach a milestone 100^th episode.

Scarborough lifeboat crew comes to the aid of a stricken yacht, whose electronics and engine have failed. Meanwhile, Dungeness lifeboat crew rescue two casualties from the water in the English Channel.

In North Berwick, the crew go to the aid of a capsized kayaker, who was swept offshore by a strong wind, while in Porthcawl, the crew respond to a fisherman who unexpectedly entered the water.

Recalling the rescue, RNLI Porthcawl helm Chris Missen said: ‘It was one of those rescues you never forget and it’s one of the most emotionally challenging rescues the crew and I have done. The casualty had become tangled in fishing gear and had been swept overboard as a result. Luckily, he had a waterproof phone case on him and was able to call for help.

‘It was winter and, by the time we reached him, he had been in the water for nearly an hour. His body temperature was very low. We got him onboard and I am pleased to say he made a full recovery.

‘You always feel the weight of responsibility when you’re the one responsible for bringing a member of your community home. We were so relieved it had a good outcome, and that the story can be shared with Saving Lives at Sea viewers.

‘The series shows how lifeboat crew and lifeguards rescue those in distress at sea, and the lifesaving nature of our work. We are delighted to feature in such a long-running series alongside our fellow lifesavers from across the RNLI.’

More than 30 different RNLI lifeboat stations feature in the series, as well as some of the charity’s beach lifeguards. The programme features real life rescue footage, interviews with the RNLI crews, lifeguards and the people they have rescued, and an insight into the lives of the charity’s lifesavers.

In 2025, RNLI lifeboat crews around the UK and Ireland aided 8,290 people, saving 272 lives, while the charity’s lifeguards helped 36,213 people and saved 117 lives on some of the UK’s busiest beaches.

Watch the first episode at 8pm on Tuesday 18 August to see the rescues in full.

Notes to Editors

· For high-res photos, see here.

· Saving Lives at Sea series 11 airs on Tuesday 18 August at 8pm on BBC Two and iPlayer

· The series is made for the BBC by Blast! Films.

· Click this link for more information about Saving Lives at Sea

RNLI online

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

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 147,000 lives.

RNLI Media Contacts

For further information, please contact:

Emma Holly, RNLI National Communications Placement, [email protected]

RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789, [email protected]

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI is the charity that 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 146,700 lives.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, 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.