Volunteers with the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) are resisting recent guidance advising them to avoid wearing RNLI-branded clothing in public amid escalating intimidation from anti-migrant protesters. The directive was issued following a series of protests targeting volunteers who have rescued migrants at sea, particularly after an incident involving the rescue of 140 migrants from a dinghy near Eastney, Portsmouth.

Over the past weekend, volunteers faced verbal abuse and threats, with footage circulating on social media showing them being called “traitors.” The hostility extended beyond public spaces, with demonstrators gathering at RNLI locations such as the RNLI College in Poole, Dorset, last Wednesday. In response, the organization has heightened security measures at its sites and issued safety guidance to staff and volunteers, encouraging them to prioritize their protection, which includes discretion around wearing official insignia.

Some RNLI members and former volunteers have criticized the advice as succumbing to intimidation. David Wimble, a former RNLI volunteer with 20 years of service and currently a Reform UK councillor, said many volunteers he has spoken to intend to defy the recommendation. “What does it say about us if we give in to bullies?” Wimble stated. “They plan to continue to wear the badge in their communities with pride—as they always have done.”

While acknowledging concerns about the safety of volunteers and their families, Wimble stressed the determination within the lifeboat community to remain visible and committed to their mission despite the pressures. He described the levels of intimidation as “unacceptable” and expressed dismay at the targeting of volunteers who risk their lives to save others. “Can you imagine the outcry if an RNLI boat didn’t go out and people lost their lives? It makes me shudder to think of that,” he added.

The RNLI confirmed that the recent controversy has led to a surge in donations, reflecting public support for the charity during a challenging period. An online petition backing the organization had gathered more than 130,000 signatures by the end of the week.

In a statement, the RNLI underscored its commitment to the safety and wellbeing of its people. It highlighted that the guidance issued includes advice on managing difficult interactions and, when necessary, refraining from displaying RNLI-branded clothing to reduce risks. Volunteers are encouraged to report incidents internally and, if appropriate, to law enforcement.

The confrontations at Dover, Portsmouth, and other locations mark a notable escalation in tensions surrounding migrant rescues, underscoring the challenges faced by maritime search and rescue organizations operating amid contentious political and social climates.