RNLI wins two categories in the Global Search & Rescue Excellence Awards

The annual Global Search & Rescue Excellence Awards, recognise and celebrate the achievements of search and rescue teams, volunteers, organisations and suppliers who have made a difference on the frontline, responding to disasters and emergencies around the world.

Leslie Coe, from Walmer RNLI Lifeboat Station, Kent, was the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award, sponsored by Smith Myres.

Les has dedicated 71 years to saving lives at sea, and first joined Walmer RNLI as a teenage shore crew member in 1955, going on to serve on the inshore lifeboat between 1964 and 1972. In 1970, he was awarded the RNLI’s Thanks of the Institution on Vellum for his role in rescuing two people trapped in a cave by the tide.

Since stepping back from seagoing duties, Les has continued to serve in almost every operational role at the station.

Les said: 'I felt that being nominated was in itself a bit of a shock, but to actually be presented with the award was an amazing honour. The whole day was an incredible experience and the reception I received when my name was announced as the winner of the award, with the entire room giving me a standing ovation is something that I will never forget.'

Additionally, the work of the RNLI’s International Team won Project of the Year, sponsored by Elite Safety, Training and Rescue, for the Fisher’s Buoyancy Workshop. Held in Zanzibar in September 2025, it brought together international experts and local communities to co-design innovative, low-cost buoyancy solutions for fishing communities in East Africa.

The workshop included drowning prevention experts, designers, and engineers from the RNLI, the Environmental Management and Economic Development Organisation (EMEDO), Design Without Borders, Bournemouth University, Element Design, Survitech and the Panje Project.

John Powell, International Lifesaving Manager of the RNLI said: ‘This team recognition highlights the value of collaborative, low-resource innovation in addressing real-world safety challenges. Small-scale fishers and seaweed farmers, who face drowning risk on a daily basis, formed an essential part of the team alongside designers, engineers and drowning prevention professionals. We hope the outputs from this project will help enable access to effective and affordable buoyancy solutions for those who need them most.’

Peter Sparkes, Chief Executive of the RNLI said: ‘I am immensely proud to hear that RNLI representatives won two awards at the Global Search & Rescue Excellence Awards. I extend my sincere congratulations to Leslie Coe for winning the Lifetime Achievement award for more than 70 years’ dedication to saving lives at sea, and to the Buoyancy Project Zanzibar for winning the Project of the Year.

‘The RNLI has been saving lives at sea for more than 200 years thanks to the selflessness of its volunteers, and the charity’s ability to innovate – both of which are demonstrated by the deserving recipients of these two awards. I would also like to congratulate the other organisations and individuals who have won an award. It is a privilege to work alongside each other so that together we may make the world a safer place.’

Notes to editors

· See photos for download here.

· See full list of awards here.

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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.

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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.

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