There's one thing our volunteer crews love even more than lifeboats: a tractor! It's our hidden hero. For almost 200 years our brave volunteers have been launching lifeboats, but during our first century they relied on actual horsepower. It was in 1920 when the first tractor trials began, and today there are more than 10 types of launch vehicle, each one adapted for different types of lifeboat and terrain. It all needs to be maintained, and even replaced from time to time, which is why, when you

Watch RNLI #MargateLifeboat recovering their D class lifeboat to shore. Most D class lifeboats launch and recover using a trolley, with the help of a tractor or another vehicle. 📹 Thanet Photos By Louis.M #RNLI #Margate #InshoreLifeboat #Lifeboat #Lifeboats #SearchAndRescue #MightyMachines #ShoreCrew #Tractor #TractorLove #DroneVideo | RNLI

From blueprint to lifeboat, how long does it take a new Shannon class lifeboat to launch? Around 18 months, actually! And our latest Shannon, due to go on service at RNLI Pwllheli Lifeboat / Bad Achub Pwllheli, recently had its first taste of water… | RNLI

Rough seas and strong winds? Our crews are still launching 💪 Watch as the Porthcawl RNLI Lifeboat crew rescue experienced surfer Ben, who was being dragged out to sea by a strong rip current. A member of the public spotted Ben in trouble, called 999 and asked for the coastguard. Our volunteers were soon on scene and returned Ben to safety. If you get caught in a rip current: - Don’t try to swim against it or you’ll get exhausted - If you can stand, wade, don’t swim - If you can, swim parallel t

This rescue on #SavingLivesAtSea last night could've ended very differently… Crantock RNLI lifeguards spotted an inflatable kayak with two people onboard being pushed into the rocks by the rough sea conditions. They launched the Rescue Water Craft (RWC), and brought them safely back to shore, alongside Newquay RNLI Lifeboats 💙 Catch up on last night's episode on BBC iPlayer 📺 [Video description: From the point of view of an RNLI lifeguard onboard a Rescue Water Craft (RWC). Another lifeguard i

137K views · 7.8K reactions | Thirty years on from applying to be crew at Porthcawl RNLI Lifeboat, senior helm Carl Evans is joined on a rescue with his son Lewis for the first time. A big thank you to all our fathers out there, from our brilliant supporters, crew members and staff too. | RNLI | Facebook