OUR WATCH RNLI STRATEGIC INTENT 2020–24 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

This document contains our Strategic Intent for the and sets out our future Vision, next 5 years (2020–24). Our planning and budgeting Outcomes, goals and plans. Although the majority of the document covers will draw on this Intent so that the RNLI consistently the next 5 years, consideration has also moves forward in one direction. been given to the significant factors that will impact our future and that It is written primarily for the RNLI's same things, we have a greater chance we need to be acting upon in the short volunteers and staff to guide all of achieving our long-term Vision: term. This document provides the of our efforts in the coming years, to save every one. golden thread that explains the things although we hope it will also be read The document focuses on the period we must do. It underpins our Purpose, by supporters, donors and others 2020–24: Our Watch. It recognises the draws guidance from our Values, and interested in the lifesaving work of 195 years of lifesaving that has gone defines Strategic Outcomes to drive the RNLI. If we are all focused on the before, considers today’s challenges, our activity for the next 5 years and OUR OUTCOMES

1 2 3 WORKING WITH WE FOCUS ON PARTNERS, WE WE KEEP OUR WHAT WILL SAVE THE INFLUENCE IMPROVED PEOPLE SAFE MOST LIVES IN OR SAFETY ON AND NEAR THE WATER BESIDE THE WATER

HOW WE WILL DO THIS?

• By giving volunteers and • By ensuring we have the right • By focusing on the highest-risk staff the training and tools people and assets in the locations and activities at home to keep themselves safe. right places. and internationally. • By improving the technology • By upgrading our infrastructure, • By forging and maintaining and equipment on our boats asset base and networks. strong partnerships with like- and beaches. • By working with partners to minded organisations. • By providing Trauma Risk understand and prepare for • By working together to build Management and mental the lifesaving challenges of awareness, gather evidence and health first aiders. the future. develop effective interventions.

HOW WILL WE KNOW WE ARE SUCCEEDING?

Measured by reduction in coastal Measured by the effectiveness Measured by risk score in the UK and Ireland, of our rescue service, including incident trends. and data related to our targeted the number of lives saved. international activities.

02 beyond. The document closes with a We use a variety of measures from to invest in key areas such as our letter to our founder, both honouring both internally generated and technology and coastal infrastructure our history and looking forward to the externally sourced data to support and we also need to focus on our next 200 years. our analysis. Any trending changes supporters and donors. Building The Outcomes will guide our work will result in us adjusting our lifetime relationships with our over the next 5 years. Achieving these plans accordingly. supporters will help us to raise Outcomes will result in our saving Below are the key activities on our funds to enable this investment. more lives while ensuring the safety journey to achieving each Outcome We need to stay focused and ensure of our volunteers and securing the and how we will measure our success. that every penny and cent count. future of our charity. Our ongoing For each Outcome, there is a section And most importantly, we need to performance against each Outcome will further on expanding on the activities support each other, the crew who be monitored quarterly and annually we intend to achieve by the end of make the RNLI great. This is our and reflected in our Annual Report. 2021 and 2024. We know we need watch. Let’s make it count.

4 5 WE RAISE 6 OUR PEOPLE THE FUNDS OUR FUTURE IS LOVE BEING WE NEED AND SUSTAINABLE PART OF THE RNLI SPEND DONORS’ AND SECURE MONEY WISELY

• By upscaling our training • By diversifying our income • By reaching out to and providing greater sources and focusing on younger generations. development opportunities commercial opportunities. • By maximising the impact for everyone. • By engaging with new of our Poole campus as a • By attracting more audiences and inspiring manufacturing, training and volunteers and staff from our existing supporters. heritage centre to support a variety of backgrounds. • With continued rigour in our the whole RNLI. • By providing greater support financial discipline, making • By creating a sustainable to our volunteers and staff. every penny and cent count. strategy and roadmap to 2050.

Measured by the level of Measured by staff and Measured by annual organisational risk we are volunteer engagement in our donations and our level carrying, and the development annual surveys. of free reserves. of our 2050 roadmap.

OUR WATCH RNLI STRATEGIC INTENT 2020–24 03 Mark Dowie is pictured with lifelong RNLI supporter Joan Webb on her 100th birthday

04 WE ARE ONE CREW THIS IS OUR WATCH

Working together towards a shared goal is what makes any crew great. This document lays out our shared intent for the next 5 years (2020–24). This is how we will work together as one crew to run the RNLI with passion for our community, with kindness for all those we serve and each other, with efficiency and with a razor-sharp focus. What we do today lays the foundations for the RNLI of tomorrow.

As you read this document and understand what it means for you, I would like you to remember three things: We are all lifesavers. We are all fundraisers. This is our watch.

WE ARE ALL LIFESAVERS and time. We should be proud of our with people from diverse backgrounds We work together so that the charity and speak with passion and and experiences. Specifically, I want RNLI can save as many people from care about its work. It is my intention the RNLI to attract many more drowning as possible. By traditional that, as well as improving the volunteers from the wider population, and innovative means; whoever is in experience for our existing and loyal with a target of at least 20% of our danger and wherever they are located. donors, we will diversify our income operational crew being female and We will be there for those who need to include a significant proportion a much enhanced contribution from us. We are going to fit and equip our from sources we don’t use today. We the BAME (Black, Asian and minority network, and work with partners to will build resilience and sustainability ethnic) population. meet the lifesaving challenges of the through this diversity. This Strategic Intent sets out the future. We will also use our experience road for the next 5 years. Now it’s and skills to prevent people getting THIS IS OUR WATCH over to you to decide how you can into trouble in the first place by raising It is our time. There will be no waste, help us make the most of the awareness, by training others and by no stone unturned. Like generations of opportunities ahead. influencing world leaders and global lifesavers before us, it’s our job to keep policy. We are going to upscale our our charity safe and secure for the We are one crew. This is our watch. training to deliver a better service next 200 years so that it can continue locally and at the RNLI College in to save lives while being loved and Poole, to make our people safer and treasured by so many. This means give them something to take away doing the right thing for the RNLI. It from the RNLI. It is my intention that means recognising the impact of our the College will significantly grow its actions on our organisation and being Mark Dowie capacity as part of this future. responsible for this wonderful charity. RNLI Chief Executive It also means preparing for the next WE ARE ALL FUNDRAISERS watch by modernising, by pushing We should all build and nurture boundaries and by exploring new relationships by being kind to others, ways we can save lives, together with by inspiring each other and those our partners. We will also prepare by we meet, and by giving our energy enriching the talent within our charity

OUR WATCH RNLI STRATEGIC INTENT 2020–24 05 Port Talbot lifeboat crew launch through surf

06 RNLI STRATEGIC INTENT 2020–24

CONTENTS

02 Executive summary 04 Chief Executive’s introduction 08 The RNLI Purpose, Vision and Values 10 The drowning epidemic 12 The difference we make 14 The Outcomes we are working towards 16 Outcome: We keep our people safe 18 Outcome: We focus on what will save the most lives in or near the water 20 Outcome: Working with partners, we influence improved safety on and beside the water 24 Outcome: Our people love being part of the RNLI 26 Outcome: We raise the funds we need and spend donors’ money wisely 28 Outcome: Our future is sustainable and secure 30 Beyond 5 years: Looking to the future 34 Chair’s message 35 Looking ahead to 2024: A letter to our founder 36 Back cover: The RNLI pledge

Photos: GMB Akash, Stephen Duncombe, Stuart Fenty, RNLI (Harrison Bates, Tony Buckingham, Heritage archive, Keith Horrocks, International archive, International Team, Nigel Millard, James Smerdon, Richard Smith, Tim Stevens, Nathan Williams, Jimmy Young)

RNLI.org

RNLI, West Quay Road, Poole, Dorset, BH15 1HZ

The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea Royal National Lifeboat Institution, a charity registered in England and Wales (209603), Scotland (SC037736), the Republic of Ireland (20003326), the Bailiwick of Jersey (14), the Isle of Man, the Bailiwick of Guernsey and Alderney

OUR WATCH RNLI STRATEGIC INTENT 2020–24 07 THE RNLI PURPOSE, VISION AND VALUES

OUR The RNLI is the charity PURPOSE that saves lives at sea

OUR VISION To save every one

Our Vision is a statement of the future that we want to be part of. It may take us a long time to get there, but drowning is preventable, and we believe that even one drowning is one too many. Our volunteers don’t sign up to save just a few. We will always strive to save every one.

We know this is an ambitious Vision, and it will take all the efforts of our volunteers, our staff and our partners to achieve this, working together as one crew.

08 OUR Our Values reflect the way we work. VALUES As one crew, we strive for excellence and are:

COURAGEOUS: DEPENDABLE: To have the courage to take on To be reliable, consistent and authentic. the most demanding challenges. TRUSTWORTHY: SELFLESS: To hold the trust of the public, our To put the needs of others first. volunteers, supporters, partners and staff.

09 THE DROWNING EPIDEMIC

In the UK and Ireland, we love and respect the water. But it can be terrifying when things go wrong, and more and more people are calling for our help every year.

In 2018 we launched our lifeboats The challenges we face in Ireland countries and the development sector. 8,964 times from 238 lifeboat and the UK are part of a global problem. Because of this lack of understanding, stations. That’s an average of The World Health Organization many affected countries and agencies 24 launches a day. Our search (WHO) estimates that 320,000 have yet to allocate resource to and rescue teams have never been people drown around the world each the problem. so busy: ordinary people doing the year but believes the true figure is This document sets out how we extraordinary, responding to calls for likely to be significantly higher. To put plan to respond to the needs of those help day and night, every day of the this into context, 320,000 deaths is at risk of drowning, both domestically year, no matter what. the equivalent of almost the entire and internationally, powered by our RNLI lifeguards work on almost population of Cardiff. community of amazing volunteers and 250 of our busiest and most dangerous The WHO identified drowning as supporters. We know that drowning is beaches – beaches visited a staggering a silent epidemic because its impact preventable, and we believe that one 19 million times in 2018. is not yet understood by the affected drowning is one too many. They attended 19,449 incidents, coming to the aid of 32,207 people. More importantly, they proactively managed beach safety to ensure Lifeboat launches by year Trend as few people as possible got into 10000 trouble in the water. That meant

taking 3½ million preventative 8000 actions, from managing safety flags through to public announcements and giving one-to-one safety advice. 6000 lifeboat launches Year on year we’ve seen the numbers needing our help go up, 4000 and with this the demands on our of Number

volunteers and our resources 2000 have increased. 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 2020 Year

10 Safety campaigns like Float to Live can help us break the Drowning Chain

THE DROWNING CHAIN The RNLI has been using the Drowning We will focus on the things that The circumstances under which people Chain for the last 5 years to guide our will save most lives on or near the water, drown, such as where they are and actions and we will continue to do so. and on stopping people before they what they’re doing, vary enormously. Taking action to break each get into difficulties. Even with the However, research has highlighted a link of the chain reduces the risk fastest lifeboats and the best trained common set of risk factors that lead of drowning. crews and lifeguards, we won’t get to people drowning or being seriously When drowning is recognised to everybody in time if we rely on injured in or around water. as an issue, when places are less rescue alone. We intend to tackle drowning dangerous, when people behave It is only by breaking the links not just by rescuing people, but by safely, and when people are at every stage of the Drowning Chain reaching out to those at risk at each supervised and rescued if needed, that we can truly hope to save part of the Drowning Chain. fewer will drown. every one.

THE DROWNING CHAIN

1 2 3 4 5 6 Drowning

Preventing Places and People cannot, People cannot drowning is not equipment are not or do not, look after, a priority. safe, and people behave safely. or save, are isolated. themselves.

The Drowning Chain, developed from initial research carried out by the WHO

OUR WATCH RNLI STRATEGIC INTENT 2020–24 11 THE DIFFERENCE WE MAKE

As we strive to save every one, we are inspired by the lifesavers who rescue people and work to keep others safe every day. Generations of people would not be here today were it not for the courage and commitment of RNLI volunteers and staff. These stories show the difference we make.

‘THE REASON I HAVE MY FAMILY’ boat coming around the corner gets Vicky Murphy got in touch in 2019, me emotional to this day. just after her daughter Rae’s 10th ‘I’d been battered by the sea and The relief of seeing birthday. A decade ago, while pregnant hadn’t felt my baby move. When the orange boat with Rae, Vicky was rescued by the hospital told me there was still RNLI lifeguards. a heartbeat, they said: “You should coming around She writes: ‘I’ll always remember count your lucky stars.” the corner gets me my body being battered about ‘I can’t thank the RNLI enough for emotional to this day. horizontally in the water. saving me. They are the reason I have ‘The relief of seeing the orange my family today.’ Vicky Murphy Rescued by lifeguards whilst pregnant with daughter Rae

Vicky, Rae and husband Marc Chapel Porth Beach, Cornwall

12 RNLI lifeguards keep people safe on almost 250 beaches

LIFESAVING ADVICE message he’d heard on the radio. and the wind was coming in, it Nathan had travelled to Durdle Door, ‘Instead of fighting the water, churned it all up like an explosion.’ Dorset, for an August summer holiday. I just lay back and started floating In these treacherous conditions, ‘I’d been a few years ago and vowed to and kicking my legs. Eventually, after the fishing boat was close to being come back on my birthday,’ he says. about 20 minutes, I managed to broken up on rocks when the lifeboat ‘I came up from my hometown in get back to the safety of the beach. crew arrived – just a few minutes Cambridgeshire with my best friend. It saved my life.’ after launching. Conditions were perfect and you The RNLI volunteers got as close couldn’t get me out the water!’ MAYDAY AT THE as they could to the fishermen and got He saw the stone arch that reaches HARBOUR MOUTH a tow rope across on the first attempt. into the sea from the shore and, after Six fishermen found themselves It took about an hour to tow them watching a few people swim through it, drifting towards a rocky shore when home. ‘There was a massive swell and decided to try it himself. their boat lost power in October 2018. the fishing boat was going up and ‘It looked easy, but the current In gale-force winds and a 4–5m swell, down,’ Dean says. ‘It was a big boat. had a bit of a suction through the arch Castletownbere lifeboat crew were We kept the lifeboat in gear, just enough and I was pulled out of my depth. called on to help. to pull it. I realised I couldn't get back. I was Coxswain Dean Hegarty recalls: ‘The fishermen were so thankful. swimming and kicking but nothing ‘It’s only about 2 miles to the harbour And they were lucky. They did the right was happening.’ mouth, but the conditions at that thing putting out a mayday straight Nathan started to panic but then particular spot were very poor. away, especially with the weather he remembered the RNLI Float to Live The way the tide was going out conditions and where they were.’

We are one crew. Whatever your role at the RNLI, these success stories belong to you. Every life saved in the last year, in the last 5 years, in the last 200 years, is cause for celebration. But there’s much more work to do as hundreds of thousands worldwide still Nathan Slack drown unnecessarily.

OUR WATCH RNLI STRATEGIC INTENT 2020–24 13 THE OUTCOMES WE ARE WORKING TOWARDS

This is our watch. It’s our turn to show true courage and commitment, to make the right decisions for the RNLI, and to do all we can to prevent drowning so that we can save every one

This Strategic Intent sets out six Outcomes we continually strive for. When we have achieved these Outcomes, we will know that we are saving more lives, while ensuring the safety of our volunteers and the future of our charity. We will be on course to saving every one. OUR SIX STRATEGIC OUTCOMES: 1 2 3

WORKING WITH WE FOCUS ON PARTNERS, WE WE KEEP OUR WHAT WILL SAVE INFLUENCE IMPROVED PEOPLE SAFE THE MOST LIVES IN SAFETY ON AND OR NEAR THE WATER BESIDE THE WATER

14 Exmouth lifeboat is launched on exercise

4 5 6

OUR PEOPLE WE RAISE THE FUNDS OUR FUTURE IS LOVE BEING PART WE NEED AND SPEND SUSTAINABLE OF THE RNLI DONORS’ MONEY WISELY AND SECURE

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OUTCOME: WE KEEP OUR PEOPLE SAFE

The RNLI relies on its volunteer crews and lifeguards to save lives at sea, and we have a duty to ensure their safety and the safety of those who support them. Lifesaving in an unpredictable environment is inherently hazardous, and even with the best boats, the best training and the best kit, accidents can happen.

For nearly 200 years the RNLI has We are committed to reducing the of shouts. To help reduce the risk to been at the forefront of technological number of injuries people suffer while our crews, a group of engineers, safety advances to keep its crews safe, from volunteering or working with the RNLI, professionals and expert operators are early lifejackets and self-righting whether that be at sea, on beaches, in lifeboats through to today’s cutting- our factories, out in the communities, edge launch and recovery systems. or in our offices. By keeping our That pioneering work continues today. people safe, we can continue to retain Keeping our lifesavers properly and recruit volunteers to help deliver equipped with the knowledge, skills our Purpose of saving lives at sea. and equipment they need to keep themselves safe is paramount. In the WHAT WILL HAPPEN BY 2021? last 2 years, we have provided our Work to review the risks at all our all-weather lifeboat crews with new lifeboat stations is under way, personal protective equipment to give including the many ways we launch them the very best protection from and recover our lifeboats, the ways we the elements. maintain them, and even how we keep Giving crews and lifeguards the them clean. Staff and volunteers at all best kit is one thing, but all volunteers 238 RNLI lifeboat stations are working and staff must be able to identify to identify practical ways to reduce the risks around them and know how risk so our crews can continue their to keep themselves and others safe. lifesaving work and ensure they return That means sharing stories on what safely to their loved ones. has and hasn’t worked, learning from Towing is one of the most

the experiences of others, and taking hazardous jobs our crews are called High-quality kit protects our preventative action. on to do, and it comes up in over 24% crews from the elements

16 We ask so much of our volunteers. We have a duty to keep them safe.

Towing may look straightforward, but Design work on upgrading our Severn it can be hazardous class lifeboats is under way working hard to identify ways to make improving the fit of the boat’s seating them with the knowledge and towing safer. This includes awareness, and adjusting the controls to increase skills to spot hazards and take training, and equipment solutions. comfort and safety. action, preventing accidents before Saving lives can also present We will aim to reduce the physical they happen. another, less obvious risk. Some impact of crewing a lifeboat in We will be working with internal shouts and beach incidents can leave challenging conditions. We also want and external specialists to develop a lasting and invisible impression on to design the new lifeboat in a way a range of tools and training to help our crews and lifeguards, particularly that reduces our impact on people understand the risks they face, those involving tragedy or acute the environment. make the best decisions they can, and distress. We will continue to develop We are extending the life of our share lessons when things don’t go the wellbeing support available to largest lifeboat, the Severn class, by to plan. volunteers and staff, learning from some 25 years through a programme We will also have developed and the first steps taken to implement of work that will introduce modern, implemented a fit-to-serve policy, a Trauma Risk Management (TRiM) tested and proven seating, upgraded which will clearly define the standards approach and continuing the training information and control systems, and our people need to meet to safely and provision of mental health first modernised electronic systems to serve as crew. aiders across all RNLI departments improve reliability and safety. and communities. The first prototype of the extended Severn class is being worked on by WHAT WILL HAPPEN BY 2024? our team at the All-weather Lifeboat Overall, it is our goal that by By 2024 we will have determined Centre, and by 2024 we will be 2024 we will see a downward requirements for a new inshore upgrading up to six boats a year. trend in the number of injuries lifeboat, based on types of shouts we We also need to help our volunteers expect in the future and the needs of and staff to keep themselves and each suffered while volunteering or our volunteer crew. This will include other safe, and that means equipping working for the RNLI.

OUR WATCH RNLI STRATEGIC INTENT 2020–24 17 2

OUTCOME: WE FOCUS ON WHAT WILL SAVE THE MOST LIVES IN OR NEAR THE WATER

We are a search and rescue RNLI REGIONS 2020 service and remain focused

RNLI lifesaving locations on being there to save people All-weather lifeboat station (ALB) in need. Every year we help Inshore lifeboat station (ILB) ALB and ILB station over 40,000 people in, on Lifeguard support centre RNLI offices SCOTLAND and near the water. Flood rescue asset Lifesaving regions Over the last 50 years we have seen a significant rising trend in watersports participation, which has created an increasing and changing demand on our services. 2018 and 2019 were very busy years for lifeboat launches and lifeguard interventions. IRELAND NORTH People need our help now more AND EAST than ever and this looks set to continue. Climate change is now also contributing to this trend, as we are seeing warmer weather with the 10 hottest years on record in the UK all occurring

WALES since 2002. Warmer weather drives AND WEST increasing numbers of visitors around our coastline. This increased number of visitors, coupled with growth in beach activities, means we have to be prepared to adapt to meet the needs of the public, particularly on SOUTH our beaches. SOUTH EAST WEST As we are anticipating this increase and change in demand, we need to think about our volunteers and staff, as we cannot save lives without them.

18 Llandudno lifeboat crew are ready to save lives when they're needed

This includes looking at who delivers will be able to sustain us for demand and environmental our lifesaving operations and how they another 10 years. This means that factors. This will help us determine do so, while ensuring those on the front crew will still be able to rely on their the operational requirements of line have the support they need to pagers wherever they are, as well our future lifesaving network and save lives in the most effective way. as using new mobile apps that give assets, including whether services We are also looking at how greater information. are delivered locally, regionally technology can help us. We’re working We will have updated the training or nationally. with the UK Maritime and Coastguard that we give our lifesaving staff and The increasing intensity in predicted Agency, the Irish Coast Guard and volunteers. Not only will they have domestic and global rainfall patterns other partners to understand how the skills to meet the maritime for the future shows that the need for we can support the changing nature standards we work to, but there will flood provision may evolve. By the of, and demand for, our services. also be development opportunities for end of 2024 we will have worked We know that one of the key those who want to progress and work with partners, such as fire and rescue challenges when people get into towards new lifesaving roles. services and industry, to understand trouble is not having a means of We will be expanding and future flood trends and to determine calling for help. Today, one third deepening our training offering to what RNLI flood support will look like of the RNLI’s lifeboat stations are improve the accessibility of our courses over the next 10 years (2020–30). in ‘not-spots’ for mobile and data while providing a valuable and fulfilling coverage, where there is poor data experience for our volunteers. This coverage. This can make calling for will include both looking at our RNLI help incredibly difficult for those in College-based training and enhancing need. It can also have an impact on local training opportunities, which the operations of our stations. This reduces the need for our volunteers impact will increase as our reliance on to be away from home and families. data and technology grows. WHAT WILL HAPPEN BY 2024? WHAT WILL HAPPEN BY 2021? By 2024 we will have updated our We are introducing a new regional networks and data infrastructure support structure across the UK and to help our lifeboat stations Ireland in 2020, to help our volunteers communicate and operate in the focus on their lifesaving work. way we all wish they could today. Overall, it is our goal that by We are aiming to build a new This should reduce the amount of 2024 we will have a clear plan floating lifeboat station at Tower, information our volunteers need our busiest lifeboat station, replacing to capture as it will be obtained to optimise our networks and the existing station by the end of direct from their lifeboats through assets for the risks they face. 2021. This modern station will have connected networks. We will equip our lifesavers better welfare, safety, training and We will work with the UK with the training and medical facilities. Maritime and Coastguard Agency The infrastructure for our pager and the Irish Coast Guard to take a technology they need to be system will have been updated and risk-based approach, looking at future more effective.

OUR WATCH RNLI STRATEGIC INTENT 2020–24 19 3

OUTCOME: WORKING WITH PARTNERS, WE INFLUENCE IMPROVED SAFETY ON AND BESIDE THE WATER

We know from our research on the Drowning Chain that, To save even if we had a lifeguard and lifeboat on every beach and every stretch of water, we would not be able to save every one every through rescue alone. To achieve our Vision, we must work hard to stop people getting into trouble in the first place, ONE and help them make the right choices to reduce their risks. This is why we invest in water safety.

OUR LOCAL FOCUS The RNLI and our partners are From our analysis we know that 51% working hard to make sure everyone of total annual accidental coastal gets to go home safely. deaths occur in just 11 of the 79 With our partners, we have coastal counties around the UK and successfully implemented the Ireland. We also know that men over following programmes in recent years: 35 are the most at risk group. We know the activities that are • The Float to Live campaign has putting people at most risk of serious been giving practical advice on what incidents: sailing, motorboating, people should do if they fall into diving, fishing and swimming. cold water. We are seeing a growing Coastal suicide rates have also body of anecdotal evidence that this steadily increased in recent years. advice is saving lives. Our volunteers have always helped those most in need, and unfortunately • The Swim Safe programme that there is a growing trend of mental we undertake with Swim England health problems across Ireland and the has reached thousands of children, UK. We need to ensure our lifesavers teaching them how to be safe in are trained to support all those at risk. and around open water.

20 Rock anglers can stay safe while enjoying their hobby, with our advice

• Working with the RYA and the UK • install and maintain signage WHAT WILL HAPPEN BY 2024? MCA we have helped to develop and barriers in locations that We will broaden our education the SafeTrx app, which monitors put people at greatest risk. programme to include adults in the boat journeys and can alert most at-risk groups, and target areas emergency services if needed. WHAT WILL HAPPEN BY 2021? in the most effective way. We will have updated our Water We will continue to work • Targeted safety messaging to: Safety Plans to target the areas of with partners who are experts in • increase lifejacket wear in sea greatest risk. This includes high-risk suicide support. We will make sure angling and commercial fishing locations and at-risk groups such we’re giving our crew the support • encourage watersports as divers over 45, rock anglers, and they need both before and after enthusiasts to carry a means sailors who forget or choose not to difficult events, as part of our of calling for help wear lifejackets. own wellbeing programme. • encourage divers to be aware of We will have developed 11 their individual health risks. county-level drowning reduction Overall, it is our goal that by plans based on all the insights 2024 there will be a downward • Working with local councils to: generated historically and our • develop local drowning ongoing analysis. trend in the number of serious prevention plans We will continue to develop our incidents, particularly in our • install safety equipment such as training to ensure that our lifesavers priority locations. life rings in high-risk areas, and are able to support those at risk due train people to use them to mental health problems. OUTCOME 3 CONTINUED OVERLEAF

RNLI lifeguards carried out Working with partners, we helped train more than 3½ million safety people in communities along the Thames interventions in 2018 in how to use rescue throw bags

OUR WATCH RNLI STRATEGIC INTENT 2020–24 21 3

OUR GLOBAL FOCUS organisations to see that, with With courage Over the last decade, 4 million courage, nothing is impossible. people drowned globally. This is an Making a difference globally NOTHING international development challenge will require the coordinated efforts that lacks recognition, and for this of international organisations, reason it has been identified by the institutions, countries and civil society. is impossible World Health Organization (WHO) With nearly 200 years of experience, as the silent epidemic. the RNLI’s role internationally will be Over 90% of drowning deaths as a catalyst for drowning reduction. happen in low and middle-income While we have a lot of experience in countries. In many parts of Asia, drowning prevention in the UK and drowning is now a leading killer of Ireland, we also understand that children over the age of 1. internationally there are a variety of situations that put people at risk. WITH COURAGE, NOTHING That is why it is so important to work IS IMPOSSIBLE with local organisations who have We believe things need to change. first-hand experience to co-create Inspired by our founder, Sir William interventions that will not only be Hillary, we have been at the forefront effective at saving lives, but will also of drowning reduction around the be sustainable. The learning from this UK and Ireland for nearly 200 years. activity can also inform our work in When Sir William appealed to the the UK and Ireland. nation for a national lifeboat service We have already worked with a in 1823, he said that we ‘should number of organisations in Tanzania extend our views [of drowning and Bangladesh to help them reduce prevention] from our own immediate drowning. The interventions have coasts, to the most remote quarters included low-cost rescue equipment, of the globe, and to every educational tools for schools, neighbouring state’. swimming lessons, lifeguarding We are proud that we invest a and even daycare provisions to small part of our income in saving protect the youngest children from lives internationally, inspiring other the immediate risks of drowning.

22 In Bangladesh, Reshma (8) and Ridoy (9) go fishing in floodwaters. Neither child knows how to swim.

Over the next 10 years we, along demonstrated through our research with other like-minded organisations, in the Barisal region of Bangladesh. will aim to elevate the issue onto the This should influence government global agenda, widen the research and institutions to take ownership of base, grow skills and continue to the issue. identify practical and cost-effective Overall, our work globally will solutions. Above all, we will encourage have helped raise the profile of the governments and institutions to issue with key influencers. We will also develop sustainable approaches to have gathered evidence of drowning in drowning reduction so that fewer West Bengal and developed strategic people drown, particularly where alliances to enable sustained drowning Overall, it is our goal that by there is an unacceptably high burden. prevention activity. 2024 drowning prevention will WHAT WILL HAPPEN BY 2021? WHAT WILL HAPPEN BY 2024? be a higher priority and better We will continue to operate three Substantial change to this epidemic resourced in areas of the world programmes of activity: one globally will take time, but by 2024 the work with the greatest drowning and two at a country level. Funding we are doing with our partners in these for this work already comes from countries, and in the development burden. More institutions and multiple sources, and by the end of sector as a whole, will have developed agencies will be involved, more 2021 we will aim for all this work to and matured in line with our plan. evidence will be available, new be fully funded by donors who This will result in a much wider innovative solutions will have support our international work. understanding of the risks, challenges Depending on the level of funding, and potential solutions connected with been developed, and more this may enable us to expand to the issue of drowning. lives will have been saved. four countries so that we can have a greater impact. Our work will hopefully lead to the first-ever resolution linked to drowning prevention being agreed at the United Nations. There will be a significant rise in awareness of the drowning issue (at governmental level) for over 30 countries in the WHO Pacific and South Asian regions as a result of the RNLI-sponsored WHO country reports. The impact of low-cost Supervision (including creche and daycare schemes) is one potential solution to the interventions will have been drowning problem in Bangladesh

OUR WATCH RNLI STRATEGIC INTENT 2020–24 23 4

OUTCOME: OUR PEOPLE LOVE BEING PART OF THE RNLI

We’re powered Whatever role we do as a volunteer or employee, whatever time we give to our charity, we are the engine that keeps the by passion RNLI running. TALENT and We are one crew. Every one of by this feedback. This will ensure our us has an important role to play. No communities have the support they one person or role is more important need, and deserve, and feel involved kindness than any other. We must all respect, in our future direction. value and support each other as We are listening and working to equal members of the RNLI family. ensure our staff and volunteers have Whether staff or volunteer, lifesaver the best experience while working or fundraiser, we all work together with our charity by: and learn from each other. • providing a clear vision for the Our investment in employee future RNLI engagement surveys allow us the • giving volunteers and staff a voice opportunity to gain insight into the in shaping the future views of all our staff, and in 2019 • investing in wellbeing we also piloted a volunteer survey. • providing good opportunities for The results of this survey will be personal development. available in 2020 for us to take action. As one crew, we need to have the skills, These surveys are important, as they confidence and opportunity to make help us understand the priorities of the biggest difference we can when our volunteers and staff, enabling it comes to saving lives. To help us us to focus our efforts on what achieve the Outcomes set out in this matters most. document, we want all volunteers and Our recent decision to increase staff to love being part of the RNLI, and the regional emphasis on lifesaving feel inspired to do their best to take our and fundraising, providing more charity forward. We also need future resource closer to the communities volunteers and staff to want to become where we operate, has been informed and remain part of this family.

24 Generations of volunteers have enjoyed saving lives with the RNLI

WHAT WILL HAPPEN BY 2021? apprentices across 17 different skills, experience and ideas. Through The new regional model will be programmes, allowing development our recruitment and operating making a difference across the RNLI. for existing employees and bringing practices, we will continue to increase Through building a more regional way new people into the organisation. diversity in all forms and in all roles of working, decisions will be made We will continue to develop our throughout the organisation. This will that reflect regional priorities. We will volunteers and staff and give greater ensure that we reflect and support make sure our support services are opportunities for progression. This the needs of the communities where designed so that communities receive will include the provision of training we work. the help they need. courses, practical on-the-job learning, We will continually review how our We will have the results of the and apprenticeships in a variety ways of working need to adapt and 2019 pilot volunteer survey, we will of areas. change in response to the changing complete a broader volunteer survey needs of our volunteers and staff (2020) and we will be taking action WHAT WILL HAPPEN BY 2024? and to make sure that the RNLI is on the things that matter most to We will continue to develop a range an inclusive organisation that allows our volunteers. We are an inclusive of opportunities to meet the evolving everyone to thrive and succeed. organisation and want to ensure needs of our volunteers. This will The RNLI will be recognised everyone has a voice. include a variety of roles to suit for its training excellence, and the We will have extended our volunteers’ skillsets, availability amount of training we deliver locally volunteer recognition scheme so that and preferences. and at the RNLI College in Poole will people can be properly recognised for We will continue to celebrate our have expanded materially. We will their contributions to lifesaving and volunteers for the amazing work they champion learning, which will help us fundraising. This will be in addition do to save lives at sea. to grow our capabilities by attracting to the existing Gallantry awards. Our people come from a wide new volunteers and staff, and by In 2019, the RNLI had 58 range of backgrounds, with different helping them develop.

Overall, it is our goal that by 2024 we will see an upward

Coxswain David MacAskill holding the Bronze trend in staff and volunteer Medal for Gallantry he was awarded in 2016 engagement and retention.

OUR WATCH RNLI STRATEGIC INTENT 2020–24 25 5

OUTCOME: WE RAISE THE FUNDS WE NEED AND SPEND DONORS’ MONEY WISELY

We volunteer We cannot save lives at sea without the fundraisers and supporters who so kindly give time and money. We take to face the this support seriously and strive to ensure that every penny and cent raised and donated makes a difference. Over the next 5 years we aim to grow our crew of supporters and STORM to show them why they are valued lifesavers too. together It cost £163.5M to run the RNLI After all, it is thanks to them that our in 2018. That’s the equivalent of over lifeboats can launch, our lifeguards £447,000 (€504,000) a day. can keep people safe on beaches, Year on year, our costs continue and we can help tackle the global to rise, but our income has not risen at drowning problem. the same rate. We know that there are some essential things that we need WHAT WILL HAPPEN BY 2021? to invest in, such as technology and We will have recruited new donors, infrastructure, and we need to raise secured more pledgers (people who the funds to meet this investment. have told us they’d like to leave us a We have also seen the number gift in their Will), and reinvigorated of supporters on our database the support given to our 850 decline. Attracting and maintaining fundraising branches. This will be new supporters will also involve achieved by offering more people investment – whether in the form the opportunity to give to the RNLI of new campaigns, activities that in traditional ways (such as making put the fun back into fundraising, donations, pledging gifts in Wills or technology that demonstrates and joining community fundraising impact in a personalised way (such groups), and in new ways (such as as alerts showing when a lifeboat through contactless technologies has launched). and social media channels). We will put our donors and Our growing family of supporters supporters at the heart of what we will enjoy a tailored RNLI experience, do and how we talk about our work. thanks to technology that will allow

26 Our fundraisers give their all, and we have a duty to spend every penny they raise wisely

us to personalise the communications anniversary. It will be a spectacular We will have diversified the they receive. year of remembering two centuries range of income streams – especially We will continue to develop our of courageous lifesaving, thanking income resulting from commercial culture of value for money: making everyone who has given their time, growth. This will be part of a robust our funds go further and maximising support and sometimes, sadly, their financial plan that ensures the RNLI the impact of every pound and euro life. It will also be an opportunity is sustainable for decades to come. donated. We will work to ensure that to show why we need more people We will have developed a greater we continue to receive competitive to help us save more lives. It is our level of certainty that our future commercial arrangements with our intention to recruit a million new income is sustainable. This will be suppliers, and that we are resourced supporters (donors and volunteers), achieved by growing the number in the most cost-effective way. and to engage generations to come. of donors and pledgers we connect All staff and volunteers will take Over the next 10 years (2020–30), with, by keeping them engaged with responsibility for ensuring our income we will invest significantly in our our work, and by growing our is used to help save every one. infrastructure and ensure that it commercial income. We will focus on generating is fit to support our lifesavers for income from commercial years to come. opportunities, particularly corporate By 2024, we will also have partnerships. These partnerships will invested in both our paging and data help us generate income, as well as networks. This will help us operate Overall, it is our goal that by providing benefits such as delivering swiftly, with agility, and with good 2024 we will be raising enough safety messages and raising relevance cyber security. funds to cover our increased with new audiences. Funding plans will be in place to lifesaving work, to support the We will align our fundraising and ensure the income we receive can meet volunteer support in our lifesaving the cost of the investments, including required investment in our regions. We will also grow our major projects such as the Severn class infrastructure and to build network of fundraising branches lifeboat life extension programme. resilience for the future. across Ireland and the UK. We have seen an increasing amount of support for our international work, and we will continue to engage with these people and others who have an interest in this area. By the end of 2021, it is our intention that our international activity will be completely funded by these supporters.

WHAT WILL HAPPEN BY 2024? We will bring people together Attending events like the Bournemouth Air Festival helps to celebrate the RNLI’s 200th us attract new supporters

OUR WATCH RNLI STRATEGIC INTENT 2020–24 27 6

OUTCOME: OUR FUTURE IS SUSTAINABLE AND SECURE

Trustworthy In 2024, we will be celebrating the RNLI’s 200th anniversary. We need to make sure the RNLI is set up to continue to save Courageous lives for the next 200 years.

SELFLESS We want to be there for our children, We have already taken steps to grandchildren and future generations. reduce our carbon footprint through Dependable So we need to understand what is installing more renewable energy likely to happen beyond the next sources, such as solar panels and 5 years and to make sure that any ground source heat pumps to heat decisions we make will stand the our stations. test of time. Good governance is vital to our In the 20th century, the RNLI reputation, and we need to ensure was part of many people’s lives from we operate legally and within the a young age, from raising money to regulations that govern our activities. supporting a Blue Peter appeal, to We will continue to have independent learning about some of the tragic oversight through our Trustee Board. disasters that took so many lives. Industry advisors on our councils and But, over time, studies have special interest groups will ensure that shown that younger people see us we have excellent advice, whether on as less relevant. We need to change developing training for our crew or on this so that future generations know our sustainability work. the RNLI and can be involved in saving We will continue to report lives at sea in their communities. progress on the environmental, We need to ensure that everything safeguarding and inclusivity elements we do is sustainable, from our of our sustainability activity in our finances to our environmental Annual Report each year. footprint. We are committed to playing our part in the transition WHAT WILL HAPPEN BY 2021? to a low-carbon world. We are We will better understand how working on finding and implementing younger generations perceive the RNLI opportunities to move towards being brand and what we can do to improve zero carbon. our relevance with new audiences to

28 Though programmes like Swim Safe, we are building relevance with a whole new generation

generate greater awareness We will ensure that we have clear and support. activity plans for the next 5 years, We will have started to develop to support everyone in achieving our Roadmap to 2050. This will our Outcomes. These plans will be involve staying true to the Purpose of understood and visible to all, so that the RNLI but deepening the way we we all understand our part in securing work with current partners, including the RNLI’s future. the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency and the Irish Coast Guard, WHAT WILL HAPPEN BY 2024? and building relationships with new By achieving our first five Strategic partners who will be able to help us Outcomes and living our Values, An RNLI education volunteer makes an impression on the people we're save every one. we will be promoting the RNLI's counting on for support in the future We will better understand the lifesaving work, managing risks to impact of climate change on the our reputation and helping to ensure demands on the RNLI, our ability to our future is secure and sustainable. We will have prepared a 5-year operate, and the communities where We will have developed our longer plan to see us through to 2029, and we live and work. term Sustainability Plan and will be will be working towards saving even We will have a more detailed monitoring changes in legislation more lives through our communities understanding of the waste we and key risks and opportunities for and our crew. produce, so we can plan how we stop the RNLI. sending waste to landfill. We will have made substantial Social and environmental criteria progress towards maximising the Overall, it is our goal to ensure will be further embedded into our effectiveness of the Poole campus that the RNLI is set up to procurement processes and be as a support and manufacturing understood by all those who buy centre, heritage site, training college continue saving lives and work things or commission work to be done. and cultural heart of the RNLI. towards saving every one.

Porthdinllaen Lifeboat Station is one of many to use a ground source heat pump

OUR WATCH RNLI STRATEGIC INTENT 2020–24 29 BEYOND 5 YEARS: LOOKING TO THE FUTURE

The way we deliver our lifesaving, water safety and fundraising We believe activities will change over time as technology and methods of that even communication emerge rapidly.

CLIMATE CHANGE their people, and their lifeboat Climate change will have a significant stations. If people cannot live in a ON E impact on the RNLI in the future, community, we will have no crew and both domestically and internationally. no support. If a lifeboat or station is DROWNING It will affect those in need of our help, damaged, it will be difficult to provide and also how we equip those who a search and rescue service. is too many provide that help. We will ensure that our buildings As we look beyond the next 5 years can withstand the projected rise in sea and out to 2050, science tells us that levels. In some circumstances, we will Ireland and the UK will see hotter use modular buildings, and potentially drier summers, wetter warmer winters some that are fully mobile. and more extreme weather events Coastal erosion and extreme like storms. The UK Government’s weather may make watersports Committee on Climate Change is more unpredictable and dangerous. suggesting the higher end of sea level Our safety and education work will rise predictions are now more likely, be based on an understanding of potentially meaning a sea level rise the highest risk activities and of 50cm by 2080. demographics. We expect to Two hundred thousand properties see more people entering the water are in areas predicted to suffer unintentionally, and a continued need substantial erosion, and there will be to educate people in how to behave double the amount of homes located safely and increase the chances on areas likely to be classified as of rescue. flood plains. Climate change and flooding may Rises of this magnitude will also have a significant impact on Irish threaten some coastal communities, and UK infrastructure, road networks,

30 Climate change will have a significant impact on the way we deliver our services in the future

and communities. We are considering risk will evolve and what interventions We plan to continue the adoption the impact that this may have on need to be put in place. of appropriate renewable energy the way we work with our lifesaving systems in all new builds and major partners and how this will impact the SUSTAINABILITY refurbishments. type of support we need to offer those The RNLI is committed to becoming We will continue to closely we rescue. a low-carbon, climate-resilient and track the changes in available fuels, Over the next 20 years, it’s likely more sustainable organisation. Today, mobile energy sources, energy that the impact on inland waterways most of the electricity we use comes infrastructure and marine engine from extreme rainfall will lead to from renewable sources, either our technologies, trialling and testing increased inland flooding, requiring own or through our energy suppliers. where appropriate. a multi-service response. Looking beyond 2024, we aim to We are also committed to removing Internationally, low and middle- replace more of our road and beach avoidable single-use plastics from all income countries will be least equipped vehicles with electric models and of our activity, retail sales and supply to cope. UNICEF estimates that reduce our emissions further. For chain. This work is already underway. 800 million children live in areas of the long term, we have designed our extreme flooding risk. Unpredictable Tamar and Shannon class lifeboats changes to river courses are already to provide 25 years of service, before having an impact due to increased ice being refurbished and refitted for melt from mountain ranges. Over the another 25 years. We are also thinking next 5 years we will be working with about how we will power our lifeboats our partners to understand how this in the future. CONTINUED OVERLEAF

Our stations, lifeboats and volunteers will need to be The Shannon class lifeboat is built ready for a likely increase in the number of storms with sustainability in mind

OUR WATCH RNLI STRATEGIC INTENT 2020–24 31 BEYOND 5 YEARS: LOOKING TO THE FUTURE

HUMAN FACTORS change and how the RNLI as a The RNLI is We know that the UK has an ageing volunteer-led community organisation population. By 2050 the population can support the future needs and the charity that over 60 will have increased by lifestyles of our volunteers, while 50%, and the millennial generation creating sustainable opportunities for SAVES LIVES will make up the majority of the new audiences to engage with us. workforce. We need to understand We are also aware of the changing AT SEA what this generational shift means, nature of volunteering across the in terms of how we will be spending charity sector. While there will always our leisure time and the impact on be people who choose to volunteer demand for the RNLI, how we provide regularly, many are seeking alternative our search and rescue services, and ways to offer their time through flexible how we fund them. and micro volunteering opportunities. In some coastal areas, there are real challenges for people to be TECHNOLOGY FACTORS able to live and work in their own As the UK and Ireland’s onshore and communities. In some cases, this nearshore data and mobile coverage is directly impacting the number improves, so will the usage of aerial of available RNLI volunteers and devices and live camera footage. consequently our ability to operate an We are working with partners and effective lifesaving service. By 2030 suppliers to understand which of these we are predicting that there will be a technologies we will use to best effect reduction in available volunteers, and together. Over time, these solutions that the needs of those volunteers will could help our lifesavers around the have changed. coast and those calling for help. But in the longer term, as In the future, they have the automation and robotisation increase, potential to change how swiftly and spare time for volunteering may well precisely we and our partners can find increase, and we may see new skills people in danger and carry out a rescue. become available that are currently The evolution in data coverage, the domain of paid staff. We are developments in aerial technology, working to understand this evolving and progress on smart infrastructure

32 We owe it to our younger crew members like Georgia (19) to plan for the future

all have the potential to help us in development of automated launch don’t like lifejackets, and this is ways that have yet to be developed. and recovery equipment and something that applies the world We will stay close to those who those with integral electric drives. over. So simply providing lifejackets are developing these and other This could make launch and recovery will not result in safer fishing technologies for the commercial operations safer for our volunteers. communities, be that in the Gower sector, and work together to see or in Zanzibar. how we can use them to save lives. BEHAVIOURAL FACTORS Instead, we need to understand By 2050, if not sooner, we think To change people’s behaviour the concerns of those working in we will be using automated search and make them safer around water, commercial fishing, and watch technology to help our volunteers we need to understand why we act how they operate day to day. Only in our endeavours to save every one. in the way that we do. For example, then can we design an intervention Automation is developing swiftly, there are many reasons that people that is likely to be used and and we are already looking at the involved in commercial fishing become effective.

We need to understand the people who work in fishing if we are to keep them safe

OUR WATCH RNLI STRATEGIC INTENT 2020–24 33 Stuart Popham

CHAIR’S MESSAGE

The RNLI is a dynamic organisation. Always seeking ways strategic direction set out in this document and will strive to save more lives and reduce the number of people who to see the RNLI achieve these intentions. drown. Always seeking to do that more efficiently, as we Drowning can be prevented and our waters can be safer. depend on voluntary donations to operate. Always seeking Our Values, so ably demonstrated by everyone at the RNLI, selfless people who are willing to push the boundaries best place us to achieve our Vision – with the help of all our and ensure we are at the forefront of water rescue. supporters and partners – to save every one. The strategic approach set out in this document illustrates our intentions – ambitious intentions. The RNLI is a charity and we, the Trustees, have responsibility both in law and morally to meet our charitable purpose: to save lives at sea. We take our responsibility as seriously and as attentively as we can. Stuart Popham CMG We are committed, on our watch, to the achievement of Chair on behalf our ambition. With you, we are lifesavers. We endorse the of the Board of Trustees

Like generations of selfless LIFESAVERS before us We're READY to SAVE LIVES

Exmouth Shannon class lifeboat R & J Welburn 13-03. Launch and recovery RNLI lifeguard on a rescue watercraft (RWC) with exercise with the Supacat Shannon launch and recovery system St Michael's Mount near Penzance in the background

34 LOOKING AHEAD TO 2024: A LETTER TO OUR FOUNDER RNLI founder Sir William Hillary

4 March, 2024

Dear Sir William,

Two hundred years ago today in a letter to HM the King, you wrote a plea for volunteers to ‘risk their own lives for those whom they have never known or seen’. Good people responded then, and have continued to do so for 200 years: men and women showing extraordinary courage, supported by volunteers and donors who hold your values dear. In this letter, we lay out our ambition for the future, hoping that you will find it true to your inspiration and your mission. First and foremost, we will continue to save lives on and near the sea, both at home and abroad. You brought independent lifeboat stations together, and we are committed to operating as one crew: a community working together to save every one. We will use all the information available to make sure we are helping where we are needed most. From the very outset of our charity, you foresaw a need for skilled crew, and today it is clear that our crews will need to be ever more highly trained to deal with the increasing risks the future has in store. You understood in 1824 that new technology could help more people, looking for ways to use rockets, steam power and signals. Where you looked to steam power, we will look to autonomous boats and unmanned aerial vehicles. Where you experimented with signals, we will investigate satellite-driven automated alerts. But the principles remain the same: we will use technology to respond to those in need as quickly, and as safely, as possible. In building Douglas’s sea defences and Tower of Refuge, you showed that saving lives isn’t just about rescue. We will continue to show that drowning is preventable, collaborating with those who are experts in their fields, wherever we are needed in the world. We remember that you were a volunteer. It is our job to make sure that the generations of today and tomorrow are able to give, whether of their time, their skills, their money, or their passion. We will reach out for support in the same way that you reached out at the very beginning. Your letter serves as a reminder and an inspiration in so many ways. We write you this reply so you can rest assured that the RNLI continues to do what you dreamed of: saving the lives of those whom we have never known or seen.

Yours sincerely,

The crew of 2024

OUR WATCH RNLI STRATEGIC INTENT 2020–24 35 Whoever we are Wherever we are from We are one crew Ready to save lives We’re powered by passion talent and kindness Like generations of selfless lifesavers before us This is our watch We lead the way Valuing each other Trusting each other Depending on one another Volunteering to face the storm together Knowing that with courage nothing is impossible That is what has always driven us to save every one we can It’s what makes every one of us a lifesaver