Surfer Iona Steen
Holidaymaker Iona Steen was surfing happily at St Agnes in Cornwall until she went back into the cold water without her wetsuit.
Read Iona’s story
Survivor stories
Every year, thanks to your support, RNLI lifeboat crews and lifeguards save hundreds of lives – people who wouldn’t have survived had our lifesavers not been there – and rescue thousands more. Here, survivors tell their stories to help keep others safe on, in, and around the water.
Survivor story
‘The wave hit us like a train. The next thing we knew, we were in the water.’
‘The wave hit us like a train. The next thing we knew, we were in the water.’
Read Louisa and Peter’s story
Share your story
Your story could save lives
Have you been rescued by an RNLI lifeboat crew or lifeguard? Sharing your story could prevent others getting into trouble.
Read Iona’s story
Read Paul’s story
Angler Paul Sleeman
Three lifeboat volunteers faced the toughest test to rescue a father and son washed into the sea while fishing from the shore.
Read Paul’s story
Read Brian’s story
Dinghy sailor Brian O’Carroll
It was a perfect day for dinghy sailing but suddenly conditions changed, leaving a brother and sister at the mercy of the sea.
Read Brian’s story
Read David’s story
Yacht sailor David Stocks
While trying to board his boat at Conwy Marina, David Stocks slipped and fell into the icy waters. Luckily for David, he was spotted falling in.
Read David’s story