THE HISTORY-MAKERS

We have always counted on the kindness of others, and 200 Voices, like our other anniversary activities, has only been made possible thanks to the generosity of a unique club. The 200 Club is made up of a select group of supporters who are helping to secure the future of our lifesaving charity for another 200 years. To find out more and learn how you can take your place in this momentous moment in our history, visit RNLI.org/200Club.

Dates For Your Diary

From summer 2023 and throughout 2024, we’ll be commemorating our past, celebrating the RNLI of today and inspiring the next generation of lifesavers, with a unique programme of RNLI 200 activity. And because our watch spans the whole of the UK and Ireland, you’ll be able to get involved wherever you are.

A few things you can expect in 2023–24:

200 Voices will be available from 18 August 2023 via RNLI.org/200Voices or wherever you get your podcasts, including Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and Spotify. To find out what anniversary activities are planned near you, visit RNLI.org/2024

18 August 2023

The release of the first episode of 200 Voices.

Autumn 2023

200th-themed retail range launches.

Throughout 2024

A taste of things to come in our 200th year – more details coming soon:

• Launch of Storm Force Rescue, a free (and educational) downloadable game. Kids will be able to play at being a lifeguard and a lifeboat crew member

• A series of regional heritage exhibitions for the whole family to enjoy

• Live events: meet our lifesavers during RNLI days at Bamburgh Castle and Pembroke Castle, and at the RNLI 200 Lifeboat Festival in Poole – see the fleet and meet the RNLI lifesavers

• Water safety activity, live streamed for free, and available to all schools and education providers

• Harper Collins will publish an RNLI coffee-table book. A second book will focus on the RNLI’s history

• ASTO RNLI 2024 Small Ships Race (10–17 August 2024) between St Peter Port, Guernsey and Poole Harbour, inspiring the next generation of lifesavers.

Corinna Gallop

The producer of Saving Lives at Sea shares her views on what it is about the TV series that keeps us watching

It’s very relatable. Many of us have been to the sea or have gone out on boats. And for those reasons, people love to watch it. The volunteers come from all walks of life and these people are giving up a huge amount of time to

More often than not, they’re happy to for two reasons: it’s a chance to show gratitude to the crew. And quite often they want to share a safety message. They may have gone out on a paddleboard without a lifejacket. Or something may have happened that they hope other people will learn from.

WANT TO GET INVOLVED?

keep us all safe. It’s wonderful viewing –it’s heartwarming. And heartbreaking when things don’t go so well. But it’s humanity at its best.

The crew submits footage of rescues – we then approach the casualties involved to see if they’re willing to share their story. We’re very careful with this because people have been through a very traumatic incident.

Now that we’ve been running for seven series, we’ve built up some trust. People know that the series is very non-judgemental, as the RNLI is. It’s been humbling. We can be cynical about the way the world is. But working on this has shown me how many people there are that give up their time. If we all did half of what the volunteers do, the world would be a better place. I’ve worked in TV a long time, and this is the series I’m most proud of. ■

Words: Darren Crew Photos: Shane Cronin, Alice Dearing, Ceri Oakes, RNLI/(Richard Adams, Nathan Williams), Parisa Taghizadeh, Whitby RNLI Museum

Look out for more updates in future editions of Lifeboat In the meantime, for more news on our 200th activity, visit RNLI.org/200 or contact RNLI2024@rnli.org.uk

Every RNLI volunteer, regardless of their role, does their bit to help save lives at sea by giving as much or as little time as they can. Find a role for you at RNLI.org/volunteer