RNLI reports rise in lives saved last year to more than one a day

An inshore lifeboat goes to rescue two paddleboarders after they were blown out to sea in strong easterly winds in Ardneil Bay near Portencross, North Ayrshire, in March. Photograph: Largs RNLI/PA

Lifeboat crews and lifeguards around the UK and Ireland saved more than a person a day from drowning in 2021, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) has said.

The charity saved 408 people last year, an increase of 59 on 2020. Lifeboats were launched 8,868 times, and crews helped a total of 12,903 people – the equivalent of 35 a day.