Dramatic helmet-cam video shows the dangers faced by volunteer lifeboat crews saving the lives of sailors in some of the worst weather nature can throw at them.
Crews in hi-visibility suits on RNLI boats are seen helping huge tankers and surfers in trouble as waves crash down on them.
The RNLI is a charity and its lifeboat crews are volunteers who live close to bases along the UK's coastline.
[ A montage of clips, released for the RNLI’s Christmas appeal, shows just how dangerous it is. ]
Helmet-cam footage from Porthcawl RNLI shows volunteers braving huge breakers to rescue a surfer swept out from shore by a rip current.
Three lifeboats from Dunmore East, Kilmore Quay and Rosslare Harbour face strong winds and stormy seas as they battle for hours to save a 4,000-tonne coaster vessel and nine crew from being dashed on the rocks.
In Northern Ireland, Portrush RNLI launches in the midst of a brutal storm to rescue a surfer, with a lifeboat crew member jumping in to save the young man.
