The RNLI is a charity and relies solely on public support to run the lifesaving service, with 95% of their organisation being volunteers. The volunteer lifeboat crews provide a 24-hour rescue service in the UK and Ireland, and the seasonal lifeguards look after people on busy beaches. Their Flood Rescue Team also helps those affected by flooding.

RNLI crews and lifeguards have saved over 142,200 lives since 1824 but are much more than a rescue service. Influencing, supervising and educating people too. The Community Safety teams explain the risks and share safety knowledge with anyone going out to sea or to the coast. And their international teams work with like-minded organisations to help tackle the global drowning epidemic in communities at risk all around the world.

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The Bristol Gulls have chosen to support RNLI Portishead as the local station for Bristol, which  serves the Bristol Channel, River Avon and Bristol areas. The Gulls aim to raise £11,000 to cover the RNLI Portishead boat operational service costs for 2020.