About RNLI
Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) is a charity that saves lives at sea, operating around the coasts of the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands, Isle of Man—and on some inland waterways.
Founded on 4 March 1824 by Sir William Hillary, it was initially known as the National Institution for the Preservation of Life from Shipwreck. It received royal patronage from King George IV and became the RNLI on 5 October 1854.
Over its nearly 200‑year history, the RNLI’s volunteer lifeboat crews and paid lifeguards have launched tens of thousands of missions—saving more than 146,000 lives as of its bicentenary celebrations in 2024.
The RNLI is funded by donations and legacies, and is supported by around 10,000 volunteers and 2,500 staff. They operate over 430 lifeboats from 238 stations, alongside nearly 250 lifeguard units on beaches.
Based in Poole, Dorset, the organization runs the RNLI College (established 2004) for crew and lifeguard training. They also provide essential water safety education and flood‑rescue services.
The RNLI is distinguished by courage, dependability and selflessness, with an unwavering mission: “to save lives at sea”.