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For 200 years, RNLI volunteers have counted on kindness

Today, they’re still braving wild waters to save people in need
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Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about the RNLI and our lifesaving work. 

If you have a question that isn’t included in our FAQs, please contact us – we’ll be delighted to help.

RNLI flag flying against a bright blue sky
General FAQs
Get answers to our most frequently asked general questions.
Read our general FAQs
Torbay RNLI’s Severn class lifeboat, 17-28 Alec and Christina Dyke, at sea
Lifeboat FAQs
Get answers to the most frequently asked questions about our lifeboats.
Read our lifeboat FAQs
RNLI lifeguards at Holywell Bay, Newquay, monitoring people in the sea from a patrol vehicle
Lifeguard FAQs
Get answers to the most frequently asked questions about our lifeguards.
Read our lifeguard FAQs
A Sea Safe lifeguard patrolling the beach at Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh
International FAQs

Get answers to the most frequently asked questions about the RNLI's international development work.

read our international faqs
Portrait shot of a young RNLI supporter dressed in crew kit and with an RNLI flag painted on his face
Membership FAQs
Get answers to the most frequently asked questions about RNLI membership.
Read our membership FAQs
RNLI College at Holes Bay in Poole from the water
RNLI College FAQs
Get answers to our most frequently asked questions about RNLI College.
Read our RNLI College FAQs
Head and shoulders photo of Mark Dowie in a blue jacket
Chief executive salary FAQs
Get answers to the most frequently asked questions about our chief executive’s salary.
Read our Chief Executive salary FAQs
Mass simulation event testing of self rescue equipment during a mass rescue in response to the rescue of migrants crossing the English Channel. RNLI lifeguards acted as casualties and were rescued by volunteer crew members by a Shannon class lifeboat.
Our work in the Channel FAQs
Get answers to our most frequently asked questions about our work in the Channel.
Read our work in the Channel FAQs