Clovelly RNLI to feature in popular BBC documentary series Saving Lives at Sea

The new series comes in the wake of an incredible milestone for the RNLI, as the charity marked two centuries of lifesaving on 4 March 2024.

After a special first episode which took a closer look at RNLI crews’ involvement in the Second World War, nine further episodes in the series focus on the lifesaving work of today’s lifeboat crews and lifeguards, featuring footage captured on helmet and boat cameras including Clovelly RNLI. Viewers will be able to watch dramatic rescues as they unfold through the eyes of RNLI lifesavers, as well as meeting the people behind the pagers and hearing from the rescuees and their families who, thanks to the RNLI, are here to tell the tale.

This forthcoming episode, on 16 April, sees Clovelly RNLI battle against 50 miles per hour wind speeds as Storm Mathis battered the South West coast of the UK. Hours before, volunteers from Appledore RNLI had been paged to assist a lone yachtsman whose vessel had lost power and sustained damage to its sails. But after finally locating the stricken yacht, they were unable to secure a tow line due to the difficult conditions. Ultimately, Clovelly’s inshore lifeboat was launched to the scene, overcoming strong winds and violent waves to bring the casualty safely on board. The episode will also feature rescue stories from their colleagues at other stations and beaches around our coasts.

Filming took place over the past year, with lifeboat crews and lifeguards carrying special cameras and welcoming film-makers into their day-to-day life. Rescues from the RNLI’s archives are also revisited, and we get a glimpse into the everyday lives of the thousands of men and women who give up their time to save lives.

Saving Lives at Sea is broadcast at 8pm on Tuesdays on BBC Two and iPlayer.

Notes to Editors

The series is made for the BBC by Blast! Films.

RNLI media contacts

For more information please contact Susan Marsh on 07815930818 or [email protected] / RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789 or at [email protected]

RNLI online

For more information, please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the RNLI News Centre.

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates over 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and, in a normal year, more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service.

RNLI at 200

On 4 March 2024, the RNLI celebrates 200 years of saving lives at sea – thanks to volunteers giving their time to save others, all funded by voluntary public donations. Throughout its 200th anniversary year, the charity is running events and activities to commemorate its history, celebrate the lifesaving service it provides today, and inspire generations of future lifesavers and supporters. For more information visit RNLI.org/200.