When Dean, from Birmingham, signed up for a kayaking expedition with his cousin, they decided to get some training practice at the coast to prepare for the conditions. But as day fell into night, they couldn't get back to shore from the sea. With empty batteries on their mobile phones, and exhaustion setting in from paddling against the impossible conditions – how would the lifeboat volunteers at Rhyl RNLI find Dean and his cousin in the dark, open water?

Find out how to stay safe while kayaking or canoeing: RNLI.org/LifesaversKayak

The RNLI relied entirely on donations. To support our lifesaving service, visit: RNLI.org/LifesaversPodcast

In the summer of 2020, Gemma endured a near-fatal cycling accident off a 100ft cliff. She has no memory of the accident – but knows that she is alive today thanks to the help of countless volunteers, including RNLI lifeboat crews.

A rescue that’s out of the water may not be the typical scenario you’d imagine RNLI volunteers to launch to. But their training prepares and equips them for any emergency scenario when the call for help comes. Hear Gemma’s remarkable story, and how she’s still here today, as we return to that cliff to take a windy walk.

The RNLI relies entirely on donations. To support our lifesaving service, visit: RNLI.org/LifesaversPodcast

Find out more about becoming a face-to-face fundraiser by visiting: RNLI.org/F2FLifesaver

Sometimes, despite RNLI volunteers’ best efforts, a lifeboat launch doesn’t always bring someone safely home.

In this episode, hear an incredibly honest account of a 45-hour search for 24-year-old Tyler Westlake – bravely told by his closest friends, and the volunteers at St Agnes RNLI. With your continued support, our lifeboat crews will keep doing everything they can to save every one who needs them, whenever and wherever that may be.

For help about how to choose lifesaving equipment that can keep you safe at the coast, and how to wear it properly, visit: RNLI.org/LifesaversAdvice

To support Tyler’s fundraiser, visit: JustGiving.com/remember/836815/Tyler-Westlake

Unlike most rescue stories, this is one about what it’s like to be your own lifesaver – and what happens when your best friend can’t do the same.

When Tina was at her caravan in Benllech, Anglesey, last summer, her friend Mags convinced her to try sea swimming with her. But when the conditions suddenly changed, and the two friends couldn’t get back to shore, Tina saved her own life in the water by remembering some crucial advice.

Discover more about why floating works: RNLI.org/RememberToFloat

To be a lifesaver, RNLI lifeguards depend on their training. It’s vigorous. It’s world class. It’s what gives a lifeguard the skills to know exactly what to do when a life is on the line. So, what happens when all you train for doesn’t go to plan? In the first episode of our new series, Mawgan Porth Lifeguards Alex and Tori share what was it was like to risk themselves for a stranger when plan A, and plan B, went wrong.

Could you become a lifeguard? Visit: RNLI.org/LifeguardPodcast

Find your nearest lifeguarded beach: RNLI.org/LifesaversBeach

New lifesavers are launching on Monday 28th February

On the first-ever World Drowning Prevention Day, the RNLI is celebrating the work of lifesavers who work for and with us across the UK, Ireland and further afield.

Listen in to hear first-hand from lifesavers in Bangladesh, who have set up and operate the first professional beach lifeguard service in Bangladesh, supported by the RNLI.

In the final episode of the season, hear how 10-year-old Ravi saved his own life when he found himself out of his depth at Scarborough Beach, by floating to live. Unable to reach Ravi in the sea, his parents raised the alarm and Scarborough lifeboat crew launched to his rescue to bring him back to safety. The volunteers share their side of the story and how proud they are of Ravi – plus, they shed some light on how lifesaving has had to adapt with the pandemic.

The RNLI is completely reliant on the generosity of the public. And, if you are able to, it would mean so much to us if you could consider giving a kind donation – no matter how big or small – to make more rescues like this possible. Simply visit: RNLI.org/SavingFamilies.