Our lifeboats turn in a great performance again

Supporters of The Lifeboat Fund will be pleased and proud to know that our lifeboats in the RNLI fleet performed with distinction once more in 2013.  See their individual performance figures on this website.

The extreme weather of 2013 created many challenges for the RNLI and its life-saving volunteers. 

The latter had to face the coldest Spring since 1962, the hottest Summer for seven years and the windiest December since 1993.

Our lifeboats launched 274 times, rescuing 277 people in difficulty - of those saved, nine people would have lost their lives had it not been for their rescuers.  So, 2013 produced the highest 'lives saved' result for our boats since 2009. 

Across the full year, RNLI volunteer lifeboat crews launched 8,304 times - an average of 23 times a day.  They rescued 8,384 people - an average of 23 a day.  There are 325 people here today who would not have survived without the help of RNLI volunteers.  The RNLI is very strict about its statistics and judging the likelihood/possibility of survival in each case - there is no doubt those are 325 very fortunate people!

Having supported lifeguard training in our 2012 Appeal, we are also delighted to report that, in 2013, RNLI lifeguards rescued 1,567 people, with 100 lives saved due to their skill and commitment.

This news demonstates the importance of our 2014 Appeal theme - lifeboat crew training.  Every crew member must have ongoing training designed to keep them ready to face every challenge.  With our supporters' help, we'll play our part to give them the training they deserve and the skills they require - to save lives and get home safely.