Saving Lives at Sea returns as series 11 hits our screens this month

With a total of 10 episodes to be broadcast weekly and the first due to air on Tuesday 18 August at 8pm, viewers will once again get a front-row seat to the realities of lifesaving around the coasts of the UK and Ireland, following our volunteer lifeboat crews and lifeguards as they respond to those in danger at sea.

The programme first aired on BBC Two in July 2016 and has gone on to become one of the most recognisable ways we share the RNLI story with the public, with more than 90 episodes broadcast across its first 10 series.

The success of Saving Lives at Sea reflects the public’s appetite for authentic stories of courage and community with episodes broadcast over the years attracting strong viewing audiences.

What can we expect in series 11?

We can’t give too much away when it comes to episode-specific details ahead of confirmation from the BBC, but series 11 will once again guarantee the usual blend of drama, emotion and professionalism viewers have come to expect.

With everything from dramatic search and rescue operations to paddleboard, kayak and surf-related emergencies and animal rescues, these stories will provide a powerful reminder of the variety of incidents RNLI crews and lifeguards attend, and the difference they make when every second counts.

Viewers will also see the following lifeboat stations featured in the series for the very first time:

• Scarborough
• St Helier
• Broughty Ferry
• Happisburgh
• Littlehampton
• Fishguard
• Tramore

These station debuts provide a fantastic opportunity to showcase even more of the RNLI family and the unique challenges faced by crews operating in different locations around our coasts.

A decade of inspiring audiences

This summer is particularly special, as it follows the recent 10th anniversary of Saving Lives at Sea.

Over the past decade, audiences have witnessed dramatic rescues, emotional reunions, powerful personal stories and the dedication of RNLI volunteers who are ready to answer the call, day or night.

The series has also continually introduced viewers to new stations, crews and communities, helping people better understand the breadth of the RNLI’s lifesaving work.

Production Support Officer, Laura Sargent-Edney, who facilitates the production of the series, said: 'Saving Lives at Sea has inspired audiences for more than a decade, and I’m delighted that series 11 will continue that tradition. I’m looking forward to seeing the hard work of so many people brought together in ten compelling episodes.

‘My thanks go to the casualties who have trusted us to tell their stories, the lifeboat crews and lifeguards featured in the series, our lifeboat press officers who helped capture some incredible rescue footage, as well as colleagues across lifesaving operations, clinical care, communications and case studies whose dedication will no doubt make this series another huge success.’

Don't miss episode one…

The BBC has confirmed the first episode will be broadcast at 8pm on Tuesday 18 August on BBC Two, BBC Two Wales and BBC Two Northern Ireland. Viewers in Scotland will be able to watch via iPlayer.

The first instalment will feature crews from Porthcawl, Dungeness, Scarborough and North Berwick responding to a variety of incidents, with the usual blend of gripping rescue footage and interviews, so be sure to tune in!

Don’t forget, you can watch previous episodes of Saving Lives at Sea via the BBC iPlayer.