RNLI lifeboats rescued more people during 2010 than in any other year in the institution's history
RNLI lifeboats were launched 8713 times in 2010 with a total of of 10,758
hours spent at sea. A total of 8313 people were saved – an average of 22 people every day of the year.
The RNLI’s busiest station was Tower Pier on the Thames, whose crew launched 491 times and rescued 113 people, while Poole was the busiest coastal station, saving 155 people in 148 launches. More than a third of all launches took place after dark adding to the crews’ difficulties.
In addition, lifeguards from more than 150 RNLI lifeguard units around the coast of the UK responded to 16,662 incidents and assisted 18,775 people during the 2010 summer season.
“Lifeboat volunteers and lifeguards have once again demonstrated their priceless commitment to saving lives at sea,” said RNLI operations director Michael Vlasto.
“These new figures show just how much time our crews sacrifice to help those in trouble at sea – but in addition, they spend even more time training, which is a further measure of their dedication and commitment.”
