Here is a compilation of rescue footage taken during 2012 from the front lines of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution’s rescue operations around the UK and Ireland.
The charity relies on volunteers, which form about 95% of its workforce, to carry out its lifesaving duties:
Volunteers have been at the heart of the RNLI since its inception in 1824; its 4,600 volunteer lifeboat crew members are on call 24/7, launching whatever the weather and often in the hours of darkness to help those in danger around the UK and the Republic of Ireland. In addition, volunteer lifeguards work alongside paid lifeguards to help keep beach-users safe and educate those who visit the coast. Specially-trained Flood Rescue Teams are also ready to deploy to any instances of inland flooding. None of this would be possible without thousands more dedicated volunteers who give their time to raise funds and awareness, give safety advice and help out in museums, shops and offices across the country
As RNLI noted in the video description, the charity has just been awarded the prestigious Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Volunteering Award 2012.
To read more about this award, click here http://bit.ly/VAb5Cu