Sir William Hillary (the founder of the RNLI)

Sir William Hillary was a British social reformer and philanthropist born in 1771, best known for founding the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) in 1824. Concerned about maritime accidents and inspired by the dangers faced by sailors and shipwreck victims, he established the RNLI to provide professional, volunteer-operated rescue services along the UK coast. His efforts helped improve safety at sea, saving countless lives through well-equipped lifeboat stations and trained crews. Hillary's work laid the foundation for modern maritime rescue organizations, emphasizing community-driven aid and safety at sea.