People stop donating to RNLI because it is saving lives abroad

A number of people have stopped donating to the Royal National Lifeboat Institution because some of the money they give is being used to save lives abroad.

The RNLI operates lifeboat stations around the UK coastline and lifeguard stations on our beaches – funded by charitable donations.

But after finding that some of the cash they give is spent abroad, a number of people have stopped their giving.

Among the projects the RNLI helps fund abroad are one helping women swim safely in Zanzibar and lifeguards in Bangladesh where 40 children a day die from drowning.

But a number of people have been unhappy with those choices.

Peter Rose tweeted: “It’s an absolute disgrace. I will never donate another penny to you.”

Monty Pythonss Brexit Shambles tweeted: “Unfortunately, the RNLI have made a grave error.

“Their own stupidity will undoubtably be their undoing and cause loss of life when rescues can’t be made?”

C Cawley tweeted: “As I drown, I shall be comforted money that could have saved my live went to a more deserving cause- supplying burkinis to Africa. Aren’t we lucky to have such ideologically correct people in control?

“I know Twitter sarcasm doesn’t always work, but it’s worth a try.”

In a robust response to the criticism the charity said it spent just 2% of its annual expenditure abroad, all of which was detailed in its annual reports, according to The Mirror.

A spokesperson for the RNLI said in a lengthy statement: “We don’t operate RNLI lifeboat or lifeguard services overseas – instead, we support the work of partners to build local capability.

“Our international drowning prevention work currently includes educating children in water safety and survival swimming; training personnel in lifeguarding, search and rescue and lifesaving leadership skills, and international advocacy to champion the drowning prevention cause at a global level.

“Our aim is to increase the number of people who can make a difference to the safety of others in their communities, and share their skills so the lifesaving legacy continues, as well as to call for greater awareness, resources and action at a global level.”

Many have welcomed the RNLI’s work abroad – pointing out it has been happening for years and is in live with their mission of saving lives at sea.

Fiona Dolman said: “The RNLI are a magnificent organisation. That these experts in saving lives at sea, are having to defend themselves for using just 2% of their budget to help combat a global drowning epidemic that costs around 370,000 lives a year (mostly children) is abhorrent.”

The RNLI operates more than 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands.

Since it was founded back in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved more than 142,700 lives.