Your guide to everything RNLI
LIFEBOAT VOLUNTEER IS NEW LEADER

We are delighted to introduce Mark Dowie as the RNLI’s new chief executive. He succeeds Paul Boissier, who has retired after 10 years. As a volunteer lifeboat operations manager at Salcombe Lifeboat Station, Mark knows how much the station means to the community. ‘I’ve seen first-hand the dedication and commitment of volunteers and staff to help save lives and keep people safe,’ he says. ‘I know just what a unique and special organisation this is. I am absolutely delighted and proud to be the new chief executive.’ A keen sailor, Mark previously held senior positions in the Royal Navy and ran his own financial services company. It was a desire to help others that led Mark to serve on the board of trustees of two charities, which support ex-servicemen and women and their families. He also works with organisations giving disadvantaged children a better start in life. A qualified gyrocopter pilot and avid historian, Mark says: ‘I have a clear vision how I can support the RNLI as we reach our 200th birthday in 2024. My aim is to get us in even better shape for the next 200 years.’ Welcoming Mark onboard, RNLI Chair Stuart Popham says: ‘Mark will be a huge asset to the RNLI and I am really looking forward to working with him.’

REDS AND YELLOWS HIT THE BEACH

When you head to the beach this summer, look out for our lifeguards in their distinctive red and yellow. Look closely, and you may spot some new Helly Hansen gear. The roll out of the new kit starts this summer. It caters for both men and women, and incorporates the latest fabrics and technology. The kit is waterproof, breathable and comfortable to wear – good for our lifeguards on patrol and on rescues. As well as kitting out our lifeguards and all-weather crews, Helly Hansen is supporting our fundraising and safety campaigns this year. And, by sharing our water safety messages with its customers, is helping to prevent even more people from drowning.

Date for your diary

A quick reminder that the RNLI Annual General Meeting takes place on Thursday 25 July 2019 at the recently renamed Leonardo Royal Hotel, in London. For full details, visit RNLI.org/agm2019.

Pride of Fred. Olsen

Thanks to a £170,000 donation from Fred. Olsen plus guests, our charity has a new B class lifeboat, Pride of Fred. Olsen. In a first for the RNLI, the official Naming Ceremony took place on the premises of a corporate partner, at the Fred. Olsen head office. It was the fifth lifeboat to be funded by generous guests from across the Fred. Olsen fleet. Mike Rodwell, Managing Director of Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, says: ‘We are all extremely proud of our long and successful relationship with the RNLI.’ The lifeboat’s part of the relief fleet, saving lives at stations when a local lifeboat goes away for maintenance.

2018 at a glance
These figures (just confirmed) show what RNLI lifesavers achieved – with your support – last year.

329
lives saved by RNLI crews and lifeguards (248 in 2017)

41,619
people aided by RNLI crews and lifeguards (32,116 in 2017)

257,697
hours at sea given to rescues and exercises by our lifeboat crews (207,839 in 2017)

ACTION ON PLASTICS

Thank you for your emails and letters about our use of polythene packaging for Lifeboat. Anna Frizzell is the RNLI’s sustainability manager: ‘We know many of you care deeply about this issue. We’re working hard to reduce our negative impact on the environment. Getting rid of plastic wrapping on our magazines is an important part of that.’
Our charity has started to investigate the environmental impacts and costs of alternatives, not just for Lifeboat, but for all our polythene-wrapped mailings. Biodegradable wrapping is one area we’re looking at. However, currently only around half of local authorities accept this material in green or food waste recycling. We have already taken action on many single-use plastics. This includes changing plastic carrier bags to paper, and changing some plastic retail and promotional items, although we still have much more to do. We are committed to replacing the polythene packaging. Until we do, please help us by using the recycling facilities at your local supermarket – you can recycle the polythene packaging in carrier bag collection points. Find out more at recyclenow.com.