In his book, The Price of Charity, JP Gallagher calls the RNLI a unique organisation. In this 1970s recording a former Kirkcudbright coxswain explains why

What makes lifeboat volunteers leave their beds in the middle of the night to go to the aid of someone they don’t even know? Former Kirkcudbright RNLI Coxswain George Davidson gets to the root of the ethos shared by all those responsible for a lifeboat’s launch. And reminds us that this dedicated group extends way beyond the lifeboat station.

200 Voices is produced by Adventurous Audio for the RNLI   

Soundtrack composed and performed by Jon Nicholls   

The RNLI is a charity celebrating 200 years of saving lives at sea - find out more at RNLI.org/200