In January we paused our mail order service, including the online shop, so that we could review the service to ensure it is the best it can be.
The lifeboat Lucy Lavers was among the 19 lifeboats that joined the fleet of ‘little ships’ in one of the Second World War’s greatest rescues – Operation Dynamo at Dunkirk – and her story continues to this day.
With the summer holidays about to begin, lots of families will be heading to the beach to enjoy the weather and coastline. This season we’re proud to be providing lifeguard cover for an additional nine beaches, making it easier for people to stay safe by the water this summer.
On 6 April 2017 the RNLI asked our volunteer Coxswain at St Helier Lifeboat Station to stand down from his position due to serious breaches of the RNLI Volunteer Code of Conduct which is in line with the RNLI’s Problem Solving Policy. Andy Hibbs challenged the decision to stand him down and as a result, a review was undertaken.
Last night (21 June), the outcome of the Cardigan Bay Coast Review was delivered to the three lifeboat stations that were reviewed – Pwllheli, Barmouth and New Quay.
On Saturday morning (17 June), our retired City of Sheffield lifeboat arrived at the National Emergency Services Museum in Sheffield where she will be displayed for the next five years.
Longstanding volunteers John and Pam Francis are the first RNLI volunteers to receive the highest level of award given in our new volunteer recognition programme.
Swim Safe is off to a great start, with our first sessions taking place at the end of May in our new location at Groomsport Beach in Northern Ireland, and with some more sessions last week at Tinside Lido in Plymouth.
We’re thrilled to announce that three RNLI volunteers have been recognised in this year’s Queen’s Birthday Honours for helping to save lives at sea.
Our Mayday month has come and gone for another year, and we’re delighted to announce that the funds we’ve counted so far have reached an amazing £350,000! We want to thank everybody who has supported the Mayday campaign already.
Last month, Julie Bonner, Dawn Whitbread and Ann Austin - volunteers in the RNLI shop at the lifeboat station in Walmer - saw a woman walking in a swimsuit along the promenade looking fatigued and distressed while they were volunteering in the shop.
Promoting our Respect the Water campaign safety messaging to the target male audience is really important as men account for over three-quarters of coastal deaths each year. As part of the way we’re reaching this audience, this summer we’ve set up a six-week partnership with Nicholson’s pubs which launched on Wednesday (31 May).
This week (1-7 June) is Volunteers’ Week in the UK, and to celebrate it we’ve talked to just a few of the thousands of RNLI people who are part of our amazing lifesaving team to find out how they volunteer and why they do it.
Tuesday 30 May marked the 77th anniversary of when two RNLI crews joined an armada of little ships in one of the Second World War’s greatest rescues: Operation Dynamo at Dunkirk. Did you know that two volunteer crews and 19 of our lifeboats were involved?
Today we launch our Respect the Water campaign to help prevent people from drowning.
Today we have lifeguards starting their training at Camber Sands ahead of their first full summer season on the Sussex beach.
You will all be familiar with our national drowning prevention campaign, Respect the Water. This year, the campaign launches to the public on Thursday 25 May.
The results of a recent internal audit show that it’s important that if you fundraise for the RNLI that you take a few minutes to refresh your knowledge about insurance guidelines and any forms you may need for these activities.
A volunteer opportunity has arisen to take part in the International Maritime Rescue Federation (IMRF) European Crew Exchange Programme 2017.
With the month of May just days away, Mayday is nearly here! All around Ireland and the UK, staff, volunteers and the public are getting ready to hold fundraising events or join organised activities to do their bit to fund our kit.
Prime Minister, Theresa May called an unexpected snap general election this week for Thursday 8 June which means that Saturday (22 April) marked the start of Purdah. Purdah is the period between an announced general election as well as local elections and the final election results.
Falmouth RNLI volunteers gathered at their station on Monday 3 April for a royal visit from His Royal Highness The Duke of Kent. The Duke took the all-weather-lifeboat to the station before meeting the volunteers to celebrate the station’s 150th anniversary and to officially launch their fundraising appeal.
With less than four week to go until Mayday begins, we’re inviting you to get involved and help us to kit out our brave volunteers who are ready to drop everything at a moment’s notice to save lives at sea.
The RNLI’s Barry Island Visitor Centre officially opened on Friday 31 March, with Mayor of Barry, Councillor Charlotte Williams and RNLI Trustee Sonia Modray cutting the ribbon. Invited guests were then given a glimpse at its range of interactive displays and activities aimed at keeping the public safe in and around local waters.
You will have seen the news over the weekend regarding St Helier Lifeboat Station. Understandably many of you are concerned about the situation with the station and your fellow staff and volunteers. Here is an update with as much information that can be shared at the moment.
This May we’re launching an exciting new throw bag pilot in London and Kent to train local bar and security staff on how to use throw bags to save lives when people get into trouble in the water near their venue.
I’m keen to hear your views on our International work.
On Wednesday 5 April, Workington Lifeboat Station in Cumbria received its new Shannon-class lifeboat (fleet number 13-19), named Dorothy May White.
