25K views · 798 reactions | We're always innovating at the RNLI and in this week in 1971, we demonstrated the prototype of the brand new Arun class lifeboat. The new lifeboat achieved a speed of 18 knots and was self-righting, and in 1982 it won a Design Council award for excellence. | RNLI | Facebook

28 years ago this week, the prototype for our Severn class lifeboat performed its first ever rescue - whilst out on sea trials. The Severn class lifeboat joined our lifeboat fleet in 1995 and since then has launched over 15,700 times, and aided over 41,100 people. The Severn Class lifeboat is still saving lives around our coast to this day. | RNLI