Today marks the 249th birthday of Sir William Hillary, the founder of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution. In 1823 Sir William made an impassioned appeal to the nation, calling for a service dedicated to saving lives at sea, and in 1824 the RNLI was founded. | RNLI

As Christmas approaches, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) is urging people to take care as statistics show lifeboats will launch over 100 times during the festive period* to help those in need. Figures over the last 10 years for the festive period show that RNLI lifeboats will launch on average 111 times, and aid 55 people back to safety with many volunteers having their festive celebrations interrupted. Andy Doe, RNLI Hastings Coxswain said: ‘This Christmas, many RNLI lifesavers w

RNLI on Reels

The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) is celebrating saving 146,277 lives as it marks its 200th anniversary. A service of thanksgiving is being held on Monday at Westminster Abbey with representatives from the charity from across the UK and Ireland attending. In total, 146,277 lives have been saved by the RNLI – an average of two lives saved every day for 200 years. One measure of the mettle of those so many owe their lives to is, by way of example, Whitby’s lifeboat station. Over the y