Facts and Figures In 1987 the RNLI's lifeboats have so far launched 2,518 times, saving 1,046 lives.

In 1986 lifeboats launched 3,723 times (an average of over 10 times each day) and saved 1,424 lives (an average of over 3 each day).

Over 44 per cent of all services carried out by lifeboats in 1986 were in winds of force 5 or above.

Over 59 per cent of all services were to pleasure craft.

There are 261 lifeboats on station and a further 97 in the RNLI relief fleet.

116,063 lives have been saved since 1824 when the RNLI was founded.

The net cost of running the RNLI in 1988 will be over £31 million.

Current costs of building lifeboats are as follows: 16ft D class inflatable £9,000 17ft 6in C class inflatable £12,000 21ft Atlantic rigid inflatable £40,000 52ft Arun £570,000 47ft Tyne £560,000 Fast carriage boat £337,000.