'Don't support the RNLI'.

A_7

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\'Don\'t support the RNLI\'.

I saw this on RIBnet forum, food for thought?:

The RNLI do a fantastic job. They save lives. They have brave and dedicated crews. You may need their help one day. So why not support them?

Simply because there are other rescue organisations that need your money more. As a high profile national charity with obvious emotional appeal (just imagine being shipwrecked in a storm . . .) the RNLI is extraordinarily well funded.

There are 1,600 fundraising branches all over the country. A Google search for RNLI fundraising comes up with 5,820 results! You only need to look at an RNLI lifeboat or lifeboat station to see how much money there is -- they have the best of everything, which of course they richly deserve.

However there is also a network of independent lifeboat organisations who don't have access to the vast fundraising network of the RNLI. They do the same job. They are Declared Rescue Facilities, available to HM Coastguard in exactly the same way as the RNLI. Their volunteer crews are just as dedicated and brave. But they have to scrimp and save for everything and their facilities are generally way below the level of a comparable RNLI station.

These will never get the attention of the Women's Institute branches in the Midlands, or manage to form a Fundraising Guild in Wisbech way inland.

The overwhelming majority of general public support will never even know about the other lifeboat services. However, as a small but well informed user group, we are in a position to really make a difference without having any significant effect on the RNLI.

Unlike the £274,000 that the RNLI spends every day, relatively small amounts of money can make a big difference to these independent organisations. In most cases every penny that is donated will go directly to providing the rescue service. Only 80% of the money donated to the RNLI goes to the operations budget, the remainder going on fundraising and admin.

So if you're going to donate money for a lifeboat, why not put it where your contribution will really make difference?

Here are some candidates you might like to consider:

Gosport And Fareham Inshore Rescue Service
www.gafirs.org.uk

Cowes Inshore Lifeboat
www.cowesinshorelifeboat.org.uk

Hamble Lifeboat
www.hamblelifeboat.org.uk

Ryde Inshore Rescue
www.ryde-inshore-rescue.org.uk

Southport Offshore Rescue Trust
www.southport-lifeboat.co.uk

Severn Area Rescue Association
www.sara-rescue.org.uk

The Portishead Lifeboat Trust
www.portishead-lifeboat.org.uk

Humber Rescue
www.humber-rescue.org.uk

Hornsea Rescue
www.hornsea.rescue.btinternet.co.uk

East Sutherland Rescue Association
www.esra-dornochlifeboat.freeserve.co.uk

Loughor Inshore Lifeboat
www.sea-rescue.de/loughor-lifeboat

Haverigg Inshore Rescue
www.haverigginshore.co.uk
 

Porthandbuoy

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Re: \'Don\'t support the RNLI\'.

Ryde takes you to some sort of holiday sales link.

East Sutherland doesn't work.

I'll continue to support the RNLI, though if there were a local (to me) charity performing a similar service I might support that as well.
 

malcolmbullock

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Re: \'Don\'t support the RNLI\'.

An article in this months Yachting Monthly is highlighting the fact that the majority of the RNLI's income comes from legacies, not even from monthly contributions. Apparently there is a very real risk that the RNLI will not be able to function properly due to lack of funding in the future. You might want to post this back to the RIB forum! From my experience (and I've had yachts, motor cruiser, RIB, jet ski) it's the single engined 'RIB' type community that I've seen rescued the most - if most of them dont pay monthly to the RNLI (just like a motor boat owning friend of mine) then I think it's shameful. IMHO everyone who goes to sea in any sort of boat should be giving at least £10 month to the RNLI....at least. Sorry - but I get annoyed on this subject....I was around the marina once when a speed boat was towed back by a lifeboat - apparently the 'crew' of the rescued boat 'didnt realise the water went up and down'! I wonder if they were RNLI supporters before they were rescued?

oh, BTW - agreed that if you live near a local rescue team then supporting them too is really important.

Cheers, Malc
 
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Re: \'Don\'t support the RNLI\'.

I'm with you on that Mariposa, I was just about to set up a direct debit for the RNLI when I came across this post, found out about the Southport Lifeboat, which I probably knew about but had forgotten, so now I shall be setting up two direct debits. Thanks to A_7 for bringing it to my attention.
Happy New Year to all, may it be a healthy and prosperous one to one and all
Mal
 

Woodlouse

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Re: \'Don\'t support the RNLI\'.

[ QUOTE ]
Apparently there is a very real risk that the RNLI will not be able to function properly due to lack of funding in the future.

[/ QUOTE ]
Last I heard was that the RNLI had so much money that they were in danger of losing their charity status.

I'm not critisising the RNLI, they do a fantastic job. But no RNLI representative ever has to travel standard class, or slum it in a travel inn.
 

Bajansailor

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Re: \'DO support the RNLI - but support the Independents as well!\'.

I spent five enjoyable years working on an AO drawing board (this was before CAD systems came in!) in the design office at the RNLI HQ in Poole, helping to design bits and bobs re the new Severn and Trent Fast Afloat Boats (FAB 3 and 4), and doing modifications re the older vessels in the fleet.

It is a fantastic organisation, and I support it now by subscription as a Shoreline member, and Stormforce subs for my niece and nephew. I really enjoy keeping up with the latest developments in lifeboat design via their excellent quarterly journal, and by staying in touch with former colleagues who are still working in the Technical Department.

However finding 274k every day to keep them going must be a very demanding job - yes, most of this funding does come from substantial legacies, but even still, they never know where the next legacy will be coming from.
The collection tins are really only for raising the profile of the organisation.
Whereas the collection tins of the independent lifeboat organisations are invariably their principal source of revenue.

I spent a pleasant afternoon helping some GAFIRS mates shake buckets at SBS in September - but the response from the boat show public was very disappointing to say the least - and we were in a 'high profile' area by the marina entrance.

Many sailors wandering by commented that they only supported the RNLI, others simply kept their hands firmly in their pockets.

The independent organisations fully deserve all the help and assistance they can get - it doesnt have to be financial, as volunteers with experience of maintenance of electrical, mechanical and hydraulic systems are always in short supply.

I know that the GAFIRS in particular still have a long way to go (re money and outfit) before they can get their big new offshore RHIB afloat for the first time - so if you are down by Stokes Bay, please do wander along and say hello to them (and perhaps chip in a few quid towards petrol for their inshore RHIB) - they are a very sociable mob!

BTW, A_7 noted that "Only 80% of the money donated to the RNLI goes to the operations budget, the remainder going on fundraising and admin".
This operations budget is a somewhat loose definition - it also covers the costs of new research and design, new construction, and repair, maintenance and re-fits of the lifeboat fleet (inshore and offshore) - ie it is more than just the cost of fuelling and looking after the boats.
With new offshore lifeboats costing more than GBP 3 million each, and an on-going programme of building new vessels (FRP Tamars are currently being built to replace the steel Tyne class slipway launched lifeboats), the RNLI will need substantial funds to keep going in the future.
 

capt_courageous

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Re: \'Don\'t support the RNLI\'.

A very fair point. Last year we called Solent Coastguard about a person needing help in the Solent. The rescue was in fact carried out by the Ryde Rescue boat. I guess the Coastguard called them because they were by far the nearest to the casualty. I am sure they would have called GAFIRS had it been on the mainland side. We are Shoreline Members but next time we have a walk along Stokes Bay the GAFIRS will benefit. I don't see it as either/or but as you say we should remember the local guys. Should we ever really need help I won't care what the name on the side of the rescue craft is.
 
M

marilynch

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Re: \'Don\'t support the RNLI\'.

Yes, all Lifeboat Stations have operational Areas,
GAFIRS (Gosport and Fareham Inshore Rescue)
is Portsmouth Harbour to Titchfield Haven, however. depending on the location, type, and number of incidents that may be requiring assisatnce at any given time mean we are often tasked by Coast Guard to assist out of our area.

Our fundraisers and members report that many people are not aware we are an Independent Lifeboat Station and assume or think GAFIRS is part of the RNLI, this is a problem which we are trying rectify.

I will (once I have worked out how to do it) post our Annual Report to this post , it also includes details of last years Call outs which were approx. 124! making us one of the busiest Lifeboat Stations in the Uk.


GAFIRS are holding their Annual 'New Year Day Swim' at the Lifeboat Station, Stokes Bay, Gosport.

It is quite a spectacle with many swimmers donning fancy Dress! /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif So If you are in the area come and watch the lunatics go for a swim at 12pm !

India Juliet will be demonstrating an exercise with some of the lifeboat crew as well.
 

Malcb

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Re: \'Don\'t support the RNLI\'.

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Apparently there is a very real risk that the RNLI will not be able to function properly due to lack of funding in the future.

[/ QUOTE ]
Last I heard was that the RNLI had so much money that they were in danger of losing their charity status.

I'm not critisising the RNLI, they do a fantastic job. But no RNLI representative ever has to travel standard class, or slum it in a travel inn.

[/ QUOTE ]

If you're not criticising then what are you doing?
 

Woodlouse

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Re: \'Don\'t support the RNLI\'.

I'm pointing out that not a small amount of money donated to the RNLI goes towards keeping RNLI officials in a manner to which they should never have become accustomed.
 

hoped4

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Re: \'Don\'t support the RNLI\'.

Whilst I think it is right to highlight the value of the independent organisations to suggest that people support then at the expense of the
RNLI is not right. We all know the RNLI do a fantastic job, as do the 'independents' - As a larger organisation they need more to function. In terms of the costs of running the organisation, any charity will have administrative costs and with the research and development done by the RNLI it is not surprising they might run at 20%. I previously worked for a medical charity that didn't benefit from a large legacy income or any government funding - it was largely reliant on volunteers shaking tins and direct debits, the adminstrative costs there were between 25-35% . Those admin costs are essential to ensure the organisation continues its good work....and even fundraising costs money... The RNLI NEED and deserve our continued support.
 

Barr Avel

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Re: \'Don\'t support the RNLI\'.

I agree with what has been said by most, there is no reason why we should stop supporting the RNLI just because others also need help. What this thread should actually be asking us to do is to dig a bit deeper in our pockets.

But thanks for bringing these services to my attention, for my part I must admit I was unaware of them.
 

tyce

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Re: \'Don\'t support the RNLI\'.

the rnli are the only group i trust, the alternatives round my way all seem to be manned by want to be action men types that i suspect if called upon would end up in more trouble than me.
but then again if i needed rescuing i would not be fussy as long as they did rescue me
 
G

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Re: \'Don\'t support the RNLI\'.

[ QUOTE ]
I'm pointing out that not a small amount of money donated to the RNLI goes towards keeping RNLI officials in a manner to which they should never have become accustomed.

[/ QUOTE ]

I would be interested to hear of the source for your claims? Because if you can substantiate what you are saying with incontestable evidence, I will happily enquire about it at the next AGM.
 

Sea Devil

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Re: \'Don\'t support the RNLI\'.

I have always been uncomfortable with highly 'top' paid officials of successful 'charities' who travel first class or business class and stay in 'quality hotels' rather than more ordinary travel facilities and accommodation.

It must be a problem for any charity to keep those in control in control..? who does control their apparent 'extravagances' I wonder? Could the answer that once you are in control then nobody at all watches?

If the RNLI did not exist then similar rescue services would fill the void as it does in other countries. I have the feeling that those at the 'top' have a very luxurious lifestyle courtesy of all the people who give 'generously'.
Michael
 

Searush

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Re: \'Don\'t support the RNLI\'.

Slightly confused, so here's a question or two;

Why are these organisations independant? Is it that RNLI doesn't want them, doesn't think there is a need for them or doesn't have th emoney to fund them?

Or is it that they don't want to be part of RNLI? If the latter, why?

Something seems to be adrift if our NATIONAL sea rescue organisation isn't able to provide all the services we need. Smaller groups must struggle for funds, training, specialist equipment etc. How much co-operation is there - or are they competitive (God Forbid the latter!)

Can any one enlighten me?
 
G

Guest

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Re: \'Don\'t support the RNLI\'.

[ QUOTE ]
I have always been uncomfortable with highly 'top' paid officials of successful 'charities' who travel first class or business class and stay in 'quality hotels' rather than more ordinary travel facilities and accommodation.

It must be a problem for any charity to keep those in control in control..? who does control their apparent 'extravagances' I wonder? Could the answer that once you are in control then nobody at all watches?

If the RNLI did not exist then similar rescue services would fill the void as it does in other countries. I have the feeling that those at the 'top' have a very luxurious lifestyle courtesy of all the people who give 'generously'.
Michael

[/ QUOTE ]

I will say to you, what I said to the other fella, if you have any substantiated evidence to support your feelings, I would be very pleased to hear it?
 

BrendanS

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Re: \'Don\'t support the RNLI\'.

They have usually been created by locals. If they want to be independent of the RNLI, why should they not be allowed to make that decision. RNLI have no right to be the complete national lifeboat service if others wish to provide similar services. They are all voluntary and charitable, just that some larger than others
 

Sea Devil

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Re: \'Don\'t support the RNLI\'.

What are the salaries of the top officials?
Do they travel by air other than coach?
Do they stay in other than 3 star hotels?
Do they have 'expense' accounts?
What are the cars they are provided with?
What will their personal pension schemes provide and what percentage of the contribution comes from their salary?
And all that balderdash about attracting the 'right' quality of people for the top job is of course balderdash or worse... Of course they need a reasonable salary - perhaps on a par with trade unions general secretaries. RN 4 ring captains... but - the life of Riley.... not so sure...
Etc.....

Do not forget that every penny comes from a charitable donation of some sort. Not profit, not for success simply the emotional response of ordinary people.

Please answer the above questions... if you dare... they decide on all of the above and nobody questions it... interesting?
Michael
 
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