The RNLI has reported its busiest summer ever, with a total of 3,830 launches in the UK and Ireland. Some stations saw summer rescues increase by 100% compared with 2005 – the previous busiest ever summer.

RNLI Sea Safety Manager, Peter Chennell explained that the increase was partly due to more people using the sea:

‘Our volunteer crews are still being called out to the typical types of summer holiday rescues of children swept out to sea on inflatables or people cut off by the tide, indeed our busiest coastal stations are located in the traditional busy seaside resorts. However, our crews also appear to be helping people who, more and more, are using the sea as a recreational environment.’

Mr Chennell spoke of the huge equipment and training costs the RNLI faces, with inshore lifeboats costing up to £125,000 and protective clothing costing upwards of £1,000 per crew member.

Anyone wishing to make a donation to the charity can log on to www.rnli.org.uk , ring 0800 543210 or write to RNLI, West Quay Road, Poole, BH15 1HZ.