Royal National Lifeboat Institution

RNLI History
The RNLI has saved more than 139,000 lives since its foundation in 1824. Through the years, there have been countless stories of courage against a background of technological developments and change.                                                                                                               

The charity was founded, with royal patronage, as the National Institution for the Preservation of Life from Shipwreck after an appeal made by Sir William Hillary. Hillary lived in Douglas on the Isle of Man, and had witnessed the wrecking of dozens of ships from his home.

The name was changed to the Royal National Lifeboat Institution in 1854, and cork lifejackets were first issued to crew members in the same year.

In 1891, the first RNLI street collection was held in Manchester. The 20th century saw the RNLI continue to save lives through two world wars. The lifeboats moved from sail and oar power to petrol and diesel, and the first women joined their crews.

RNLI people 
RNLI volunteers across the UK and Republic of Ireland are united by a willingness to commit time and energy to a cause about which they are passionate. It is because so many crew members, shore helpers, fundraisers and others are volunteers that such a high proportion of funds can be spent on first-class lifeboats and equipment.

Volunteers are the heart of the RNLI. We rely on more than 40,000 volunteers - on lifeboats, at stations, on beaches, and in fundraising.
Some crew members and most lifeguards are full time. They work with other staff to ensure comprehensive safety coverage around our islands. The RNLI is an independent charity with a board of volunteer trustees.

Lifeboat crew come from all walks of life, but they have one thing in common: they selflessly make time in their own lives to save others.
Like our lifeboat crews, lifeguards save lives in dramatic rescues, but much of their vital work is done by preventing accidents in the first place.

All lifeboat stations have voluntary shorehelpers who help run the lifeboat station and assist with the launch and recovery of the lifeboat