An invitation to me visit id discover the world of lifeboats..Few visitors to the seaside would think of a lifeboat station as a place to visit. But, as the operation and housing of a lifeboat is an essential seafront activity, many boathouses are part of picturesque beach or harbour settings and are often a prominent feature and a focus of interest.

For the nature lover and birdwatcher, stations can often be found close to designated nature reserves, where a variety of visiting birds can often be seen.

While the operational function of a station is first and foremost, the modern day boathouse, with its unique atmosphere, is built with the visitor in mind and has a lot to offer. The fact that the volunteer lifeboat crews are out there doing a good job is not enough. We need the public to be aware of what they are doing and why, and to capture the interest of young people, for they will be the generation that will keep the lifeboat service functioning in the 21st century.

A visit to a lifeboat station is a fascinating experience. The rows of protective clothing with boots, lifejackets and helmets strategically placed, combined with the presence of the ultra-modern lifeboat ready and waiting to go, will give any visitor a taste of the buzz which surrounds any 'shout'.

With the help of our new regional lifeboat stations and museums guides, come and experience a working lifeboat station and, when your visit is complete, take time to explore the exciting and interesting areas around them. Each guide has a comprehensive list of all the local lifeboat stations - which are graded to help you get the most from your visit - a contact number, details of the lifeboats, directions, opening times, and the facilities they offer.

The RNLI has a fascinating history and many of the lifeboat stations have displays of artefacts and photographs. There are also six special RNLI national museums, often situated in old boathouses, and details of these and location maps are given within each guide. These museums hold tales of bravery, of fundraising, and devotion to saving lives at sea, and offer the visitor an insight into the volunteer spirit that helped establish the lifeboat service in 1824.

The guides also list local independent museums that contain RNLI related exhibits, give information on the RNLI's Beach Rescue service - including ways to stay safe when visiting the seaside - and a tear-off membership application form.

There are six guides to choose from: Scotland; North East/West; East/South East; South West; Wales and Isle of Man; Ireland.

To get your free copy, just send an SAE (DL size - 220mm x 110mm), stating which guide you would like, to: RNLI, West Quay Road, Poole, Dorset BH15 1HZ. If more than one guide is required, please send a C4 envelope (324mm x 229mm).

The following postal rates will apply: • One guide - 27p • Two to three guides - 72p • Four to six guides - £1.09p.