If you've ever despaired with the logistics of organising a family gathering, spare a thought for Sir William Hillary - 200 years ago he decided to set up a lifesaving service. But how did he do it?

See how far the RNLI has come since Sir William Hillary first made his Appeal to the Nation, and how the principles continue to be at the core of our lifesaving work today - from our lifeboats launching to big ships in danger, to our first-class sea survival training for lifeboat crews and more.

Featuring real rescue footage and heritage footage of RNLI lifeboats.

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The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, lifeboat crews around the UK and Ireland are ready to launch to help those in need. Whether you're stuck on a sinking ship, cut off by a rapidly rising tide, or in the water and close to drowning, RNLI crew members will drop everything to come to your rescue. The vast majority of RNLI lifeboat crews and station staff are volunteers.

But it’s not just lifeboats. RNLI lifeguards patrol 242 beaches, keeping people safe, providing safety advice and rescuing those in trouble. Education volunteers visit schools and swimming clubs to help teach the next generation how to enjoy the water safely. And volunteer fundraisers and shop workers give up their time to generate vital funds. The RNLI is also working to help communities around the world that are most at risk of drowning.

If you spot someone in trouble in the water, call 999 or 112 and ask for the coastguard.

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The Royal National Lifeboat Institution, a charity registered in England and Wales (209603), Scotland (SC037736), the Republic of Ireland (CHY 2678 and 20003326), the Bailiwick of Jersey (14), the Isle of Man (1308 and 006329F), the Bailiwick of Guernsey and Alderney, of West Quay Road, Poole, Dorset, BH15 1HZ. Clayton Engineering Limited (Registered No. 01274923). R.N.L.I. (Sales) Limited (registration number 2202240) also trading as RNLI Shop. RNLI College Limited (registration number 7705470). All companies are registered in England and Wales with registered offices at West Quay Road, Poole, Dorset BH15 1HZ.