Day 251 - A real life saver

The RNLI Museum in Whitby. 36 RNLI Medals for
Gallantry have been awarded to courageous crew members
from here. Source: rnli.org

We've mentioned before in our blog that you are never more than 70 miles from the sea in the UK, so it should not come as a surprise this island nation spends a good deal of time with the sea. Problems are bound to occur when your have that many people living, working and playing so close to water. In fact, on average, 23 people need rescuing each and every day here.

This map shows the areas where lifeboasts had
been launched within 48 hours of me writing
today's blog post.

The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) has lifeboat crews around the UK and Ireland who provide a 24-hour rescue service. Their teams of lifeguards man the country's busier beaches. Their flood rescue team is on the ready to assist those affected by flooding -- an issue occur with seemingly increased frequency. The have community teams who go out to teach about safety, and international teams who work with at-risk countries to decrease the number of drownings.

Some interesting statistics:

• The have 350 lifeboats ready to launch at any one time at points around the country (and keep another 100 ready to replace those if they go out of commission at any point).
• They have 238 lifeboat stations covering 1,900 miles of shoreline.
• Their lifeguards keep people safe on 240 beaches. In 2016, they helped 20,538 people and saved 127 lives.
• To qualify as a lifeguard, you have to be able to swim 200 metres in under 3½ minutes and run 200 metres on sand in under 40 seconds.
• 250 volunteers are specially trained to deal with swift water flooding rescues, with 50 members ready to respond to flooding emergencies worldwide within 24 hours

RNLI crews and lifeguards have saved over 142,200 lives since being founded in 1824.

Amazing stuff, isn't it? So it may come as a surprise to learn is that the RNLI is a charity -- they receive no government funding. And more incredible: those who risk there lives to save others are all volunteers.

The sheer bravery of the people who are at the ready to do this will never cease to amaze me. So, good time to remember: respect the water.

Source: Yachting World: RNLI-Nigel-Millard