Saving Lives at Sea
A BBC One Original
Saving Lives at Sea follows the crews and volunteers of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution as they rush to emergencies along the coast. The show uses a straightforward, immersive approach to depict rescues in real time, the demands of dangerous seas, and the tight knit teamwork that makes... Read more
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Streaming availability last verified: January 17, 2026
About Saving Lives at Sea
Saving Lives at Sea follows the crews and volunteers of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution as they rush to emergencies along the coast. The show uses a straightforward, immersive approach to depict rescues in real time, the demands of dangerous seas, and the tight knit teamwork that makes missions possible. Viewers witness training drills, equipment checks, and the split second decisions that keep people safe. Guided by Steven Mackintosh as narrator, the program highlights the human side of rescue work without sensationalism, showing the nerves before a call, the precision of a lifeboat launch, and the relief when a life is saved. No spoilers, just real events.
Released in 2016 as a documentary reality series about the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, Saving Lives at Sea is narrated by Steven Mackintosh and centers on real life rescue operations rather than scripted drama.
The show centers on duty, teamwork, and resilience in the face of rough seas. It treats rescues as a collective effort, revealing the pressure crews face, the skill needed to keep people afloat, and the dedication of volunteers who answer the call.
There isn’t a wide cultural footprint attached to Saving Lives at Sea. It hasn’t spawned famous quotes or iconic scenes, but it offers a clear look at RNLI culture and the daily bravery of those who work to save lives at sea.
Details
- Release Date
- July 13, 2016
- Episode Length
- 1h
- Rating
- NR
- User Ratings
- 3 votes
- Type
- TV Series
- Seasons
- 10
- Episodes
- 96
- Network
- BBC One, BBC Two
- Status
- Returning Series
- Genres
- Documentary, Reality
- Country
- United Kingdom
- Studio
- Blast! Films
- External Links
- View on IMDB
Official Trailer
Cast
Steven Mackintosh
Self - Narrator
Seasons (10 seasons, 96 episodes)
Series 1
4 episodes - 2016
Series 2
12 episodes - 2017
Series 3
10 episodes - 2018
Series 4
10 episodes - 2019
Series 5
10 episodes - 2020
Series 6
10 episodes - 2021
Series 7
10 episodes - 2022
Series 8
10 episodes - 2023
Series 9
10 episodes - 2024
Series 10
10 episodes - 2025