The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) was founded in 1824. Since then, the charity has saved over 144,000 lives.
Although the RNLI exists primarily to save the lives of people at sea, the charity’s lifeboat crews do sometimes rescue animals in danger on or near water, to prevent owners or other members of the public from getting into danger by trying to carry out a rescue themselves.
In 2022, 209 animals were rescued by the RNLI. Over the years, the charity’s lifeboat crews have rescued animals including cattle, deer, dogs, dolphins, sheep, cats, horses, birds, seals – and even a rabbit and a snake.
Did you know, horses have also played an important role in RNLI history? They were used to help launch lifeboats in many locations until 1936.
- Royal National Lifeboat Institution: 12 courageous tales from the RNLI's 200-year history
- RNLI lifeboats launched 1,808 times and saved 5,332 lives at sea during the First World War
- 3 gruelling fitness tests all RNLI lifeguards must complete
Words: Laura Haslam, RNLI | Main image: Lytham St Annes Shannon class lifeboat Barbara Anne 13-24 at sea in rough weather/Credit: Nigel Millard, RNLI