RNLI lifeboat crews protect hundreds of communities around the UK and Ireland through their 24-hour search and rescue service.  The 238 lifeboat stations of the RNLI create a ring of safety around the coasts of the UK and Ireland.  Some have been housing lifeboats for decades, others are specially built to tackle the unique geography of the UK and Irish coastlines. Whether they’re in the heart of a busy harbour, at the bottom of a cliff face, or on a busy waterway, they are all uniquely placed to provide the quickest response to a call for help.  Gareth has been a life governor of the RNLI since 1984 and is now a volunteer education presenter and a water safety adviser.