TO SAVE EVERY ONE: 200 YEARS OF RNLI COURAGE

The Royal National Lifeboat Institute (RNLI) is the charity that saves lives at sea, providing a lifeboat service, lifeguards and safety education around our coasts.

In 1824, the organisation’s founder, Sir William Hillary, vowed that “with courage, nothing is impossible.” While living in Douglas on the Isle of Man, he witnessed dozens of shipwrecks and was able to save many lives with the help of locals.

Determined to make a difference, Hillary’s vision for a national lifeboat service became a reality in Bishopsgate’s London Tavern on 4 March, 1824 when the RNLI was born. Separate from the coastguard, it is a charity with one aim – to save every one.

This gorgeous book was published to coincide with the organisation’s 200th anniversary. It is a celebration of all that the RNLI does and has achieved over the past two centuries. It celebrates the volunteers, survivors, supporters and many communities that play an invaluable role in our Maritime history.

Throughout this time, the organisation has seen many huge cultural and societal shifts as well as significant historical moments. They have been actively involved in so many, from the first female lifeboat launcher and their efforts during both world wars, to the evolution of their cutting-edge lifeboat technology.

The vast majority of RNLI people are volunteers, ordinary people doing extraordinary things.

This book is a wonderful tribute to the people whose outstanding acts and selfless sacrifices have deservedly made the RNLI one of our best-loved charities. HarperCollins, £25: ISBN: 978-000-861305-1