The number of annual lifeboat launches has topped 9,000 for the first time in RNLI history. Statistics for 2009 show that volunteer crews launched 9,223 times, rescuing 8,235 people. The charity’s lifeguards also had their busiest year ever, responding to 13,591 incidents and assisting 15,957 people.

RNLI Operations Director Michael Vlasto said: ‘The record-breaking figures may be, in part, due to people holidaying at home instead of abroad during last year’s financial uncertainty. However, we look at longterm trends and, as we start a new decade, the figures for the last 10 years show our lifeboats have launched close to 80,000 times, rescuing 76,539 people. These 10-year statistics show that coastal recreation is the increasing reason for RNLI lifeboat launches.’

The busiest RNLI lifeboat station overall in 2009 was Tower, on the River Thames, launching 379 times and rescuing 147 people. The busiest coastal station was Poole in Dorset, where the crews launched 200 times, rescuing 242 people. The busiest lifeguarded beach was Weymouth’s Main Beach, with 647 incidents.

See your issue of RNLI Compass for figures in your area and the RNLI's full Operational Statistics Report 2009 online at rnli.org.uk.