The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) has saved an average of two lives every day for the last 200 years, yet so-called patriots have identified two of its volunteers, published their names and photos, and branded them "collaborators" and "traitors".
Two centuries of saving lives
Over the past two centuries, the RNLI has launched hundreds of thousands of lifeboats to rescue sailors who have gone overboard, fishermen whose boats have capsized, and members of the public who have underestimated the conditions and dangers of the sea. Volunteers even launch to save animals at risk of drowning, to prevent members of the public putting themselves in danger to save beloved pets.
During World War II, the RNLI saved more than 6,000 lives, including hundreds of men who stormed the Normandy beaches on D-Day. The lifeboat crews joined the armada of little ships during Operation Dynamo at Dunkirk and rescued downed aircrew during the Battle of Britain. Because their job is to save lives, they rescued both Allied and Axis pilots who had been shot down into the sea.
Volunteers who risk their own safety
For those who have been rescued, or had loved ones saved from drowning, it is impossible to thank these British heroes enough for what they do. Whatever your views on immigration, these are volunteers who give up their time and risk their own safety to save others. They do not check passports before pulling someone out of the icy water. They save lives and let others ask questions later.
They should not be targets of abuse for publicity-hungry thugs who do not have a fraction of their heroism.
