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RNLI Trivia Quiz

This quiz is about the wonderful volunteer men and women, who 'man' the lifeboat service in the UK and Ireland.

A multiple-choice quiz by Fiachra. Estimated time: 3 mins.

Author
Fiachra

Time
3 mins

Type
Multiple Choice

Quiz #
237,443

Updated
Dec 03 21

# Qns
10

Difficulty
Average

Avg Score
7 / 10

Plays
522

Last 3 plays: Guest 109 (8/10), Guest 5 (5/10), Guest 81 (8/10).

One at a Time - Single Page - Timed Game

Question 1 of 10

1. Who founded the first lifeboat service in 1824? Hint

Sir Edmund Hillary

Capt. William Bligh

Admiral Lord Nelson

Sir William Hillary

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Question 2 of 10

2. Which cross inspired the RNLI flag? Hint

St. George's

St. David's

St. Patrick's

St. Andrew's

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Question 3 of 10

3. What was invented in 1854 that proved invaluable to Royal National Lifeboat Institute (RNLI) members? Hint

Radio

Inflatable craft

Cork lifejacket

Steam lifeboat

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Question 4 of 10

4. Have lifeboatmen/women ever been lost on a rescue mission?

Yes

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Question 5 of 10

5. Why is Charles Macara important in RNLI history? Hint

He designed boathouses

He started street collections

He redesigned lifeboats

He won a gold medal

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Question 6 of 10

6. What is the highest award made to RNLI volunteers? Hint

Gold medal

Gold anchor

Gold cross

Gold star

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Question 7 of 10

7. How many gold medals were won by Henry Blogg? Hint

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Question 8 of 10

8. Where is the training college for the RNLI? Hint

Poole

Douglas

Plymouth

Southampton

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Question 9 of 10

9. Are the RNLI only involved in sea rescues?

Yes

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Question 10 of 10

10. How are the RNLI contacted in an emergency? Hint

Dial 999 or 112

Through the coastguard

By VHF or MF radio

Any of these

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Most Recent Scores

Nov 13 2024 : Guest 109: 8/10
Nov 08 2024 : Guest 5: 5/10
Nov 01 2024 : Guest 81: 8/10
Oct 28 2024 : Guest 143: 8/10

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Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts

1. Who founded the first lifeboat service in 1824?

Answer: Sir William Hillary

Sir William Hillary was horrified at the loss of life from shipwrecks in the Irish Sea. (He was living on the Isle of Man at the time). In March 1824 he set up the 'National Institution for the Preservation of Life from Shipwreck' (NIPLS). Fortunately, 30 years later the name was changed to RNLI (Royal National Lifeboat Institute) which is still used today.

2. Which cross inspired the RNLI flag?

Answer: St. George's

In 1884, the flag was designed. It has a white background, a red cross with a blue border. A gold crown over a gold anchor are on the centre of the cross and the letters RNLI appear in each of the white corners.

3. What was invented in 1854 that proved invaluable to Royal National Lifeboat Institute (RNLI) members?

Answer: Cork lifejacket

This was invented by an RNLI Inspector, Captain Ward. It gave buoyancy to rescuers.

4. Have lifeboatmen/women ever been lost on a rescue mission?

Answer: Yes

Many have selflessly given their lives. 27 men were lost in 1886 while trying to rescue the crew from a German vessel,'The Mexico'. At Penlee in 1981, eight crew were lost, together with a further eight who were being rescued. The winds at the time were 80-95 m.p.h.

5. Why is Charles Macara important in RNLI history?

Answer: He started street collections

Following the loss of 'The Mexico', when 27 RNLI men were lost the public wanted to do something for the families. Charles Macara organised street collections.

As the RNLI is still a voluntary organisation these collections are still held for funds, nowadays they are called flag days. The RNLI gets all its funding from donations and legacies.

6. What is the highest award made to RNLI volunteers?

Answer: Gold medal

In June 1824 the Gold Medal was established. The first winner was Charles Freemantle who reached a wrecked ship off Christchurch in Hampshire by swimming through surf with a rope tied around his body.

7. How many gold medals were won by Henry Blogg?

Answer: 3

Henry is known as the greatest of all lifeboatmen. He joined the RNLI in Cromer in 1894. In 1941, almost 50 years later, he won his third gold medal. He also won the George Cross and the British Empire Medal.

8. Where is the training college for the RNLI?

Answer: Poole

The headquarters are in Poole in Dorset and a new training college was opened there in 2004 by Queen Elizabeth.

9. Are the RNLI only involved in sea rescues?

Answer: No

There are inflatables for in-shore rescues, hovercraft for rescues in areas which are inaccessible to conventional boats, and there are also Beach Lifeguard Units.

10. How are the RNLI contacted in an emergency?

Answer: Any of these

Crews are almost entirely volunteers (4,600 sea-going members), they are alerted by a pager backed up by a maroon and make arrangements with employers to attend their station once the alert is received.
Sources: rnli.org.uk and wikipedia

Source: Author Fiachra

This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor bloomsby before going online.
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