Gary Bird

RNLI

We are the charity that saves lives at sea. Volunteers make up 95% of our workforce – ordinary people doing extraordinary things. Our people are selfless, dependable, trustworthy and courageous. These are our values and they underpin everything we do. Since our inception in 1824, demand for our lifesaving services has evolved significantly. We provide a 24-hour search and rescue service from 238 lifeboat stations around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland, including four along the River Thames and four inland lifeboat stations. In addition, we operate a seasonal lifeguard service on more than 240 UK and Channel Island beaches and a specialist Flood Rescue Team ready to respond to severe flooding situations, both at home and around the world. Our sea and beach safety work is paramount and we are sharing our maritime expertise with like-minded international organisations to help save even more lives from drowning. With 98% of our total income coming from generous donations and legacies, we depend on our dedicated volunteers, supporters and staff to continue saving lives at sea. The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), a charity registered in England and Wales (209603), Scotland (SC037736), the Republic of Ireland (20003326), the Bailiwick of Jersey (14), the Isle of Man (1308 and 006329F), the Bailiwick of Guernsey and Alderney.