Howard Evans, a fundraiser from Weston-super-Mare, is the 2009 RNLI Photographer of the Year. His photo, shown on the front cover, was taken at the station’s open day and demonstrates the cruel conditions under which lifeboat crew often find themselves working.

David Anderson, Lifeboat Press Officer at Peterhead Lifeboat Station, is the RNLI Filmmaker of the Year – see his dramatic footage of the rescue of a Norwegian catamaran at rnli.org.uk/filmoftheyear.

1. Steve Jones, runner up, landscape category. The sea hits the breakwater near Porthcawl Lifeboat Station, just before high water, with winds gusting force 8–9.
2. Martin Douglas, winner, rescues category. Loch Ness lifeboat, with a 1960s sailing yacht secured alongside, making for home in strong winds.
3. Gavin Hughes, winner, people category. RNLI lifeguards learn rescue watercraft skills and lifesaving techniques during a training session at Scarborough.
4. David Forshaw, runner up, fleet category. Lytham St Annes’ all-weather lifeboat heads out on exercise, as seen from inside the launching tractor.
5. Carl Schofield, winner, landscape category. Tower lifeboat on patrol on the Thames at sunrise – spotted by Crew Member Carl on his way to start his shift at the station.
6. Matthew Cox, runner up, rescues category. St Davids volunteers evacuate the crew of the Vital Spark, which had run aground and was taking on water.
7. Matthew Gibbons, runner up, people category. North Berwick lifeboat crew out in their D class lifeboat.