Will you be the lifesavers’ hero, with a donation today?
This winter, RNLI volunteer lifeboat crews are on call to face the cold weather and rough seas – all to save people they have never met. People like Dermot, who was close to drowning when he was rescued from chilly, surging waters after being caught out by the tide last Christmas Eve.
But the RNLI is a charity. And we couldn't have saved Dermot without our kind supporters. Support that feels even more special at a time when it costs so much more to buy essentials. For the RNLI, essentials include things like fuel for the lifeboats, and kit for the crews. They're the reason why your donation today will make you a lifesaver.
This Christmas, someone will be out there, cold and frightened, needing our help. We can't let them down.
100+ LAUNCHES EXPECTED THIS CHRISTMAS*
238 LIFEBOAT STATIONS NEED SUPPORT
5,600 CREW VOLUNTEERS ON CALL
Your donation WILL HELP SAVE LIVES
‘Just when I was giving up hope, the lifeboat crew appeared’
Dermot Ryan was cut off by a rising tide last Christmas, stranded on a rocky shelf under the cliffs. ‘Eventually, I was washed off into the sea,’ he explains. ‘It was like being in an industrial washing machine. I got so cold that my body started shutting down. I remember thinking: “Another minute and I’m a goner.”’
When the lifeboat crew arrived just in time, they pulled Dermot aboard, kept him warm, and powered him back to shore. ‘If the lifeboat crew hadn’t been there, I wouldn't be here today. They are absolute heroes – but they can’t save lives without support from people like me and you. The kit and training they rely on are all funded by donations, and your kindness this Christmas will make a difference to so many lives.’
With your support, we’ll be there when someone’s in danger. You can help us bring them safely home to their families.
How to help your donation go further
If you are a UK resident, and are able to Gift Aid, please remember to select 'Yes' when asked - it will make your donation worth 25% more and help save more lives at sea.
Your donation will save lives in so many ways. In 2021, for every £1/€1 spent on charitable activities, 56p/56c was on lifeboats, property and equipment; 27p/27c on running the lifeboat service; 12p/12c on lifeguard rescue; 4p/4c on safety, education and awareness; and 1p/1c on international drowning prevention.