Media coverage expected as Saving Lives at Sea returns to BBC Two
We are excited to see Saving Lives at Sea return for its tenth series on BBC Two this Thursday at 8pm. This popular show gives us the chance to showcase the exceptional work of our volunteer crews, featuring authentic footage and first-hand testimonies that demonstrate lifesaving at its most demanding. With the first episode featuring our work in the English Channel, we have taken the opportunity to work with the BBC giving exclusive interviews with crew to remind people that we are committed to our core purpose of saving lives at sea, without judgement.
This will be the fifth series in a row to feature our Channel work dating back to 2021, but the latest one is the most powerful yet and shows the levels of distress our crews are met with when saving multiple people from drowning in one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes.
Ahead of the broadcast Dover Crew Member Panda Lain, Walmer Helm Dan Sinclair and Head of Lifeboats, Simon Ling will be interviewed by the BBC, about our lifesaving work in the English Channel to give their first-hand experiences and provide the true context and scale of the RNLI’s involvement. As part of this planned approach we will also be sharing content that sets out the facts behind our work in the Channel across our social media channels and in a press release.
Why are we talking about this now?
The work we do in the English Channel polarises opinion and we continue to receive negative comments as a result. Often these comments are driven by an inaccurate narrative about the scale of our involvement. The new series of Saving Lives at Sea, which features a Channel rescue carried out by Dover, gives us the opportunity to correct that narrative. As our Chief Executive Peter Sparkes highlighted in his recent message to all volunteers and staff: ‘Our lifesaving response in the Channel provides an opportunity to celebrate the exceptional work our selfless and courageous crews do in some of the most challenging conditions.’
‘Our crews respond with the same professionalism and courage they bring to every rescue, regardless of circumstances. This work represents what we do best - saving lives at sea.’
The decision to undertake proactive communications about our Channel work is designed to support and protect volunteers, staff and the organisation. We know that many of you and the majority of our supporters want us to talk about this part of our lifesaving work – now is the right time, to reinforce how incredibly proud the RNLI is of what our crews do.
Supporting our volunteers and staff
Everyone at the RNLI remains focused on our core purpose of saving lives at sea, but at times of increased media activity members of the public, family, and friends may have questions about our work in this area.
We’re offering sessions to help you navigate challenging conversations about our work in the English Channel. These sessions are a space to share experiences, explore approaches, and build confidence in knowing when to engage and when to step away.
If you don’t feel safe or comfortable having a conversation on this subject, please do not feel you have to. Your safety always comes first.
Booking sessions
Please click the links below to add session details to your calendar. From 1 until 15 August there is a choice of morning, lunchtime and evening sessions to fit around your availability.
So far, we have held seven of these sessions and the feedback has been positive. Rosie Allen, Clinical Trainer and volunteer Crew, said: ‘I’m so glad and thankful for this support. I feel better equipped when conversations about the Channel surface with facts and skills and empowered to put my safety first. It feels like the RNLI really care about their how volunteers and staff are exposed to difficult conversations and they’ve really thought about how they can support us in that.’
Friday 1 August - 8-9am (iCalendar - 8KB)
Monday 4 August– 6-7pm (iCalendar - 8KB)
Tuesday 5 August – 6-7pm (iCalendar - 8KB)
Wednesday 6 August – 6-7pm (iCalendar - 8KB)
Thursday 7 August – 7-8pm (iCalendar - 8KB)
Friday 8 August – 12-1pm (iCalendar - 8KB)
Monday 11 August –12-1pm (iCalendar - 8KB)
Tuesday 12 August – 12 -1pm (iCalendar - 8KB)
Wednesday 13 August – 7-8pm (iCalendar - 8KB)
Thursday 14 August – 12-1pm (iCalendar - 8KB)
Friday 15 August – 12-1pm (iCalendar - 8KB)
The facts behind our work in the Channel
Last year our crews launched 114 times, rescued 1,371 people and saved 58 people from drowning in the English Channel. That equates to 1.2% of all RNLI lifeboat launches last year.
The 2025 edition of Loud and Clear has an expanded section about the RNLI’s work in the English Channel and you can visit the Channel FAQs section of the RNLI website.
If you receive an enquiry from a journalist or media outlet, please direct them to the Press Office which is open 24/7: Email [email protected] or call 01202 336789 (from the UK) or 00 44 1 202 33 6789 (from Ireland).
Claire-Marie Mason - Head of Communications
The first episode, featuring rescues from Newbiggin, Dover, Skerries and Moelfre, will be broadcast in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Viewers in Scotland will be able to watch if they have access to BBC Two otherwise you will be able to catch it on iPlayer. In Ireland; we expect it to be shown on RTE eventually, but this has yet to be confirmed.