In this week’s 999 column, we hear from the RNLI, who have continued their invaluable service during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The RNLI has been coming to the aid of those who have been in need during the various lockdowns that have been in place in the past six month, with their vital work, in many cases, saving lives. Here, they update us on what life has been like for them in this most unprecedented period.

The RNLI have had a very challenging summer.

People flocked to the coast as many were forced to cancel their annual holidays abroad in the sun and chose instead to explore and re-discover the beauty of the UK throughout the summer holidays.

The high volume of people visiting the coast proved another challenge to the RNLI as the charity had to adapt quickly to help protect their volunteers as they continue to rescue others throughout a global pandemic.

An RNLI representative said: "We’ve had a very challenging summer, rescuing those in difficulty in the midst of a pandemic and, with foreign holidays being cancelled, we’ve received more visitors to our coastline.

"Throughout the pandemic all lifeboat crews have been ready to answer the pager and rescue those in difficulty."

The RNLI’s Head of Water Safety, Gareth Morrison, commented: "Our volunteer crews have been on call throughout the pandemic. This year, they faced a summer like no other.

"When lockdown restrictions eased, we saw people flock to the beaches to enjoy our coastlines instead of holidaying abroad. But that resulted in a huge number of people getting into difficulty around our coasts, with our lifesavers facing an incredibly busy summer.

"If you find yourself in trouble at the coast this winter, call 999 and ask for the coastguard."

The RNLI has spent £1.2million this year on PPE to keep its lifesavers safe during the coronavirus crisis, including almost 700,000 face masks, 2.4 million gloves and 4,700 litres of hand sanitiser. Additionally, RNLI shops were closed and fundraising events cancelled, losing it millions in income.

RNLI lifesavers continued to work tirelessly throughout the pandemic to keep people safe as lockdown restrictions eased and people flocked to the coast. As a charity, the RNLI relies on the support of the public to continue saving lives – and that support is needed now more than ever. The charity has launched its Christmas Appeal. To support, visit: RNLI.org/Xmas