birthday mailer image showing fundraisers in action

For 200 years, RNLI volunteers have counted on kindness

Today, they’re still braving wild waters to save people in need
Four RNLI lifesavers stand in a wet Trafalgar Square. From left to right: An RNLI lifeguard, all-weather lifeboat crew member, inshore lifeboat crew member, and a face-to-face fundraiser.

RNLI 200: A story
of kindness

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For 200 years, RNLI volunteers have saved people in desperate need at sea. And that’s all down to kindness.

Lifeboat crews and lifeguards are known for their courage. But none of their incredible rescues would be possible without the kindness shown by the public. Since 1824, the kit, training, lifeboats and fuel they’ve needed to save lives has been funded by kind donations.

With your support, this story of kindness can continue. Will you help us mark 200 years of lifesaving?

Flat lay of shop RNLI 200 products including socks, cap and keyring

Shop from our 200 range

Whether you choose something that you wear with pride, give with love or treasure forever, take your pick from our special collection of 200th anniversary products. Every pound/euro you spend will help save lives and commemorate 200 years of kindness.

Shop now
Inshore lifeboat going out to sea with 2 crew members

Become a member

As an RNLI member, you might not be driving the lifeboat – but your kindness will drive us to save every one we can. You can celebrate today’s crews by joining our force for good – and help power the lifesavers into their third century.

Sign up
A man putting on a decal onto a shannon class lifeboat

Leave a lifesaving legacy

A gift in your Will – large or small – can keep our next generation of lifesavers safe for years to come. Find out how to leave a legacy that will inspire future volunteers and help them face the full force of the sea. Your generosity will be remembered – because your name will be added to the side of a lifeboat.

Learn more
Female crew member stands in Trafalgar square for RNLI's 200 Appeal

Make a donation

As you read this, the chances are that at least one lifeboat crew is at sea, heading to the rescue in the RNLI’s 200th anniversary year. So, as well as commemorating our past and looking to the future, we still need to protect our lifesavers today.

If you are able to send a donation that helps equip, train and support RNLI volunteers, we would be so grateful.

Donate now

If you have any questions or would like to donate by phone, please call our friendly Supporter Experience Team on 0330 1824 200 (from the UK) or 01 511 9833 (from Ireland) on weekdays, 8am-6pm.

Your donation could save lives in so many ways. In 2022, for every £1/€1 spent on charitable activities, 57p/57c was on lifeboats, property and equipment; 26p/26c on running the lifeboat service; 11p/11c on lifeguard rescue; 4p/4c on safety, education and awareness; and 2p/2c on international drowning prevention.

1927 Prince of Wales visits Hasting Lifeboat Stations - bunting over the boat

200th Anniversary

Take a look at what we have planned and find out how you can get involved in the celebrations.
Find out more