The RNLI marks 200 years of saving lives at sea

TODAY, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) celebrates 200 years of saving lives at sea thanks to volunteers giving their time to save others, all funded by public donations.

- CLARE AINSWORTH

On the day the charity turns 200, the RNLI is revealing its volunteer lifeboat crews and lifeguards across the South West have saved an incredible 16,028 lives during its two centuries of lifesaving.

Since the charity was founded in 1824, its volunteer crews in Cornwall, Devon, Somerset, West Dorset and the Channel Islands have launched its lifeboats 55,912 times, saving 14,967 lives. RNLI lifeguards across the region who became part of the charity's lifesaving service in 2001 - have responded to 176,585 incidents, saving 1,061 lives.

In total, across the UK and Ireland, 146,452 lives have been saved by the RNLI this equates to an average of two lives saved every day for 200 years.

Yesterday, thousands of people flocked to Plymouth's Royal William Yard to demonstrate their support for the RNLI at a special anniversary event.

The ked day of free activities, included the chance to climb aboard lifeboats in the marina, watch daring demonstrations and discover the remarkable history of the RNLI during its 200th anniversary year.

Four RNLI lifeboats, including the Severn class all-weather lifeboat - the largest in the fleet were moored at the yard's marina before the flotilla set sail for a procession across the Hoe.

Yesterday's display of affection for the RNLI was testament to the charity's strong presence in the South West, with 33 lifeboat stations and 89 lifeguarded beaches during the summer season.