The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. Powered primarily by kind donations, our search and rescue service has been saving lives for 200 years.

We are a charity founded upon and driven by our values of selflessness, courage, dependability and trustworthiness, with volunteers at our heart. Values shared by generations of supporters like you who have powered our lifesaving work through your kindness and generosity for 200 years.

The vast majority of RNLI people are volunteers - ordinary people doing extraordinary things - supported by expert staff, all working together to help communities at home and abroad save lives.

How the RNLI is run
The RNLI relies on thousands of dedicated volunteers to run our lifesaving service. Separate from the coastguard and independent of government, we are a charity with one aim – to save every one.