Now the charity is calling on members of the public to respond to its own SOS call by getting involved with the RNLI SOS day and start preparing for the charity's national day of fundraising, which takes place on Friday January 25 2008.

This summer's unseasonable weather highlighted the importance of the RNLI for flood rescue response as flooding becomes a real threat all year round, says the charity. RNLI crews responded to the floods in Yorkshire, Hereford, Worcester and Gloucester for a number of emergencies, including the evacuation of a mother and her seven month old baby and a group of elderly people from the Royal British Legion Club.

The RNLI also played a vital role in helping to move emergency services personnel to where they were needed. It also delivered water and medical supplies, and gave out essential safety advice to the hundreds of people affected by the floods.

'The RNLI SOS day is our national fundraising day,' said fundraising manager Anne Maton. 'It's a fun day with a serious purpose and it's critical to get everyone's support no matter how young or old.'

The RNLI SOS day encourages people to raise money in any way they can, whether organising a quiz night or holding a dress down day at school or work, and by doing so, donating a minimum of £1.00 each to the RNLI (€2 in the Republic of Ireland).

The charity provides free SOS day packs full of fundraising ideas to help participants organise their own events. Others will simply show their support for the bravery of the RNLI's volunteer crew members and lifeguards by making a donation to the charity on SOS day.