What will you discover this autumn?

The ‘back to school’ feeling is a receding memory for many of us, but I still find autumn brings a clean slate and the instinct to try something new. This issue, we meet volunteers who moved home to start a new life – and join the RNLI (page 42). And
our friends at Swim England share their poolside tips to get you ready for outdoor swimming next summer (page 28). This is also the season for hunkering down against the elements, and we’ve brought you our top armchair adventures to see you through the storms (page 30). Lifeguards on many beaches will have lowered their flags too – what innovations could keep beaches safe in the meantime? Find out on page 24. Through all of this, our lifeboat crews remain on call to save lives in all weathers. Our rescue stories this issue prove once again that treacherous conditions can strike at any time of year. Thanks to all of you who’ve got in touch with your views on the last issue. I’m pleased to say that Launches are back (page 32), so you can catch up on all our lifeboat calls since January. We love to hear from you, so keep those ideas coming.

Philly Byrde
@ByrdeSong

SAVING LIVES AT SEA IS BACK
Have you been enjoying the BBC’s second blockbuster series on our brave lifesavers? Head to RNLI.org/SavingLives to get the inside scoop on the stories featured or catch up on the BBC iPlayer.

YOUR MEMBERSHIP
From January 2018, when you’re next renewing your membership you’ll notice our annual rates have seen a modest increase. Find out more and see the new rates in News on page 5.