Remembering past sacrifice to inspire future generations

Many brave and selfless RNLI volunteers are remembered proudly in their local communities. However, the RNLI memorial sculpture in Poole is the only place where each and every one of them is named together. The RNLI hopes that future generations of lifeboat crew, lifeguards, supporters and fundraisers will find it a source of inspiration.

Ultimately, the memorial reminds us all that there are still people who volunteer to carry out selfless acts of heroism to help others - we will always remember their sacrifice.

Download the list of names that appear on the memorial.

In many cases, the names listed here saved the lives of others before losing their own. Their grieving communities found the strength to continue to launch to the rescue, all the more determined not to let the sea have her way.
 

The Sculptor, Sam Holland

The large sculpture by Sam Holland, depicting a person in a boat saving another from the water, symbolises the history and future of the RNLI in its most basic and humanitarian form.

Sam intended her design to be bold and simple, incorporating the elements of courage, loss and remembrance. Designed to be a beacon of hope, it honours those who continue to save lives at sea, as well as those lost in the act.

Watch a short film (3min 10sec) on the making of the sculpture.

Can you help?

Charitable donations to the RNLI must be used for saving lives at sea, so funds for the memorial have been raised separately through the RNLI Heritage Trust.

Donations are still very welcome, to cover some final additions and the future upkeep of the sculpture and its site. Please click here to donate.

You can also add your tribute to the people named on the memorial, and to all the RNLI’s lifesavers, past, present and future, here.

Consultants and contractors

Ellis Belk Associates
Greendale Construction Limited
Lighting Technology Projects LTD (PAI)
Taylor Fuel Control (King Group)
LAMEEKAM®Graphics by Studio Lameek

We also wish to thank the following for their kind contributions:
Speirs and Major Associates (Lighting Architects)
Stewarts Garden Design and Landscaping
Borough of Poole