The lifeboat heroes who risk their own lives to save those of others are receiving a big thank you at Skandia Life Cowes Week.

In the face of gales and storm lashed waves the crews of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution never refuse to put to sea to help anyone in distress.

The RNLI has a proud tradition of saving life in the most challenging conditions and this year Skandia Life Cowes Week recognises this bravery by choosing the organisation to be the official charity at the event.

With thousands of competitors and spectators flocking to Cowes the festival will be a unique showcase for the RNLI to underline its work and raise money to help keep the lifeboats afloat. Last year 6,000 people were rescued by the volunteer crews - 860 would have died had the lifeboat not reached them in time.

The fact that there are craft strategically placed and ready to launch at a moment's notice is due to the crews who run each lifeboat station and the people who raise the £274,000 it costs to operate the RNLI each week.

James Vaughan, RNLI corporate relations manager, said: "We are thrilled that Skandia Life has given us the opportunity to mingle with a key audience.

"This is the fourth year that the RNLI will have been actively involved at the regatta and we are determined that this year our presence will be particularly memorable."

One of the sections which will be helped by the fundraising activities this week is the RNLI's Inshore Lifeboat Centre based at Cowes.

Inshore lifeboats launch nearly 4,000 times every year from a total of 95 locations around the county.

Of the RNLI's active fleet of 306 vessels, more than 140 are inshore lifeboats, which account for about 60 per cent of all services. The Cowes centre is responsible for all the different types of inshore lifeboats and inflatable craft.

Throughout the regatta the RNLI will be staging the Great Cowes Caper, a series of fun activities involving the crews taking part in the races.

"The serious side will be the presence of the RNLI's sea safety group which will be encouraging these very capable sailors to enjoy their racing, but also to think seriously about their safety equipment and procedures," said Mr Vaughan.

"As well as ensuring that we are universally recognised as the most effective and innovative lifeboat service, we are also piloting the provision of lifeboat cover on inland waters and rescues on beaches."