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

You may have seen reports in the press and social media recently about our migrant rescue work in the Channel which, like any rescue mission we’re tasked to by the Coastguard, we carry out without prejudice or judgement. Our dedicated lifeboat volunteers are determined to save every one who gets into difficulty around the UK and Irish coastlines. In this new film, you can see the conditions they face in the world’s busiest shipping lane. Hear first-hand from our volunteers as they describe how a

In honour of the 200th anniversary of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), we have worked in collaboration with the charity to create a commemorative UK coin marking the occasion. Shop RNLI today. | The Royal Mint