200 years of the RNLI
For 200 years The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) has been a beacon of hope, embodying the spirit of service and sacrifice and tirelessly patrolling the waters around the clock, regardless of the hostile weather conditions, to rescue those in peril. Their selfless volunteers, embody the spirit of service and sacrifice.
Since being founded in a London tavern on 4 March 1824, its volunteer crews have launched the lifeboats over 380,000 times, saving over 144,000 lives – an average of two lives every day for 200 years.
The RNLI is separate from coastguard, is independent of government and relies on volunteers and the generosity of it supporters to run its lifesaving service. It cost £191 million in 2023. Salcombe Lifeboat Station has 24 seagoing volunteer Crew and 14 volunteer Shore Crew and is on duty 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
This commerative year is an opportunity to reflect on the the RNLI's legacy, and the countless lives that have been saved, families reunited, and communities strengthened by their extraordinary dedication.