Dear Editor Having been a Shoreline supporter for many years and now an Offshore member, I thought I would write in and air my views on lilos, rubber rings and inflatable dinghies, which are sold at seaside shops: can't we get these toys banned? Yes, they are a source of enjoyment for kiddies but they are totally dangerous and should not be used in our seas.

I come from a lifeboat family in Eastbourne, the Allchorns, and salute all lifeboat crews across the country. You all have a difficult job to do. Maybe if we can get rid of these dangerous toys, a few more lives will be saved.

Yours sincerely Nick Page Frimley, Surrey The Editor replies: Using an inflatable in the sea certainly is a risky business. One of the RNLI's key safety messages is to keep such toys for the sand or a swimming pool or, if they must be used, ensure a rope is attached and held by an adult onshore. See the winter 2005/06 issue of the Lifeboat for a survivor's account of what can happen otherwise.

* - Dear Editor Great informative publication! I am currently shore based at Hayling Island lifeboat station, awaiting my acceptance onto the crew. I joined the RNLI last November after many years waiting for the opportunity. It's the best thing I ever did.

My son, William, did this picture for me and I liked it so much I wondered if you could share it with all your readers. It's our B class Atlantic 75 Betty Battle out on a shout.

Kind regards Rupert J Hewson by emailDear Editor Just a short note to pass to the Falmouth lifeboat crew [pictured above] for their recent call to the Calina.

As a Governor of the RNLI (albeit a 'land-lubber'!) it is always very humbling to hear of the heroic efforts of the RNLI crews around the UK. It also instils a steadfast determination to continue supporting those crews. The clear determination of the crew to assist the vessel marks them out for the individuals they are and the organisation they so highly represent.

Whilst a few short lines of thanks can never fully convey the enormity of the task you all face each time the pagers ask for your assistance, it is important that you know your efforts are noticed and appreciated.

Regards John D Lomas Manchester The Editor comments: The service referred to was both so arduous and so skilful that the Falmouth Coxswain was awarded a Bronze Medal for Gallantry at the RNLI's recent Annual Presentation of Awards (see page 38). See the spring 2006 issue of the Lifeboat for a full account of the rescue.

Lastly...

Do you consider the RNLI to be a national cultural icon? If so, cast your vote at www.icons.org.uk. Go to 'Nominations', sort the list alphabetically and select the Royal National Lifeboat Institution entry, where you'll find comments like this:'The RNLI represents much that is best in Britain: voluntary service; self-sacrifice; unassuming heroism; independence from Government; stoicism and persistence ... Is the RNLI the best sea rescue service in the world? Probably.' David GodfreySubscription minimum rates Shoreline single Shoreline joint Offsho Offshore Governor single Governor joint Life Governor (One-off payment) Storm Force children's club UK £24.00 £42.00 Rol €34.00 €60.00 £120.00 £1,750.00 €172.00 €2,512.00 €10.50 Introducing the RNLI The Royal National Lifeboat Institution is a registered charity that saves lives at sea. It was founded in 1824 as the National Institution for the Preservation of Life from Shipwreck.

Today, it provides the 24-hour on-call search and rescue service out to 100 nautical miles from the coast of the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland; on the tidal reaches of the River Thames; and on selected inland waterways plus a seasonal lifeguard service on appropriate beaches in the south and south west of England.

(See page 25 for a map of the service.) The RNLI is independent from Government and continues to rely on voluntary contributions and legacies for its income.

Income and expenditure The RNLI's running costs averaged at about £330,000 (€462,000) every day in 2005. For every £1 raised, 78p was spent on operations, 3p on support and 19p on fundraising.

Total expenditure in 2005: E120.2M Total income in 2005: E117.5M Expenditure in excess of income in 2005: £2.7M Saving lives at sea The RNLI has saved more than 137,000 lives in its 182-year history and 2005 was its busiest year.

Lifeboat services in 2005 I Lifeguard services in 2005 Launches Total people rescued Incidents People assisted 8,273 8,104 8,644 9,930 average 23 a day average 22 a day (during summer season) How to support the RNLI You can help save lives by becoming a regular supporter of the RNLI. There are three adult grades of support: Shoreline, Offshore (for those who use the sea themselves) and Governor. Governors may vote at the RNLI's annual general meeting. Storm Force is the RNLI's membership club for children. Contact the RNLI's Supporter Care team for more information: telephone 0845 121 4999, email [email protected] or write to them at Headquarters quoting LBM0706.

For general enquiries contact Headquarters: telephone 0845 122 6999, email [email protected] or write to RNLI, West Quay Road, Poole, Dorset, BH15 1HZ.

The Lifeboat is the RNLI supporter magazine and is published in January, April, July and October. Blind and partially sighted readers can choose to receive an audio-tape version as well - this is a free service. To advertise in the Lifeboat, contact Steve Hulbert at Madison Bell Ltd on 01225 465060 or email [email protected].

Offshore members, and those Governors who opt to, receive Offshore News as well, in April, July and October.

Storm Force members receive Storm Force News quarterly.

planning ; leads to top fun WWW.U«*HJ.SOV uk Six out of 10 lifeboat launches are funded by legacies. If you would like to find out more about arranging a gift for the RNLI in yourWill, whether large or small, cash or a gift in kind, contact Legacy Enquiry Officer John Marshall. Telephone him on 01202 663032, email [email protected] or write to him at Headquarters..