Everyone has their own personal reasons for giving time or donations to the RNLI, but I think there's something we all have in common. We can't bear the thought of people being left at the mercy of the sea- or the thought of lifesavers going without everything they need to respond safely.

All the rescue stories you'll read in these pages remind us of how unpredictable our coastal waters can be - none more so than the article on how Scarborough lifeboat crew launched to a man in the sea just under a year ago. You'll also hear how our lifesavers rescued the crew of a stricken fishing trawler, a family on a sinking speedboat and a father and son stranded on rocks.

In 2016 we want to do more than ever to keep our lifesavers ready to respond, and make our coasts safer.

With your continued support, we will.