BBC Correspondent Virginia Eastman: The RNLI needs to improve its public profile

Special anniversary flags will fly at the 222 lifeboat stations in the UK and the Republic of Ireland and flares will be set off from each station starting at the Isle of Man.

More than 132,000 lives have been saved since the institution was founded and last year lifeboats saved 951 souls from the sea - and all without funding from the government.

The charity was founded in 1824

But only one in 10 people realised the RNLI was a charity, dependent on public donations.

Frances Aldridge, anniversary project manager, explained why the RNLI needed to make used of the anniversary for a massive publicity drive.

"The fact that the volunteer lifeboat crews are out there doing a good job is not enough," he said.

"We need the public to be aware of what they are doing and why. We particularly need to inform young people, for they will be the generation that will keep the lifeboat service functioning in the 21st century.

"We intend that the hundreds of events being held this year will highlight the fact that the RNLI is even more necessary today than it was 175 years ago."

Star attractions

Actor Nick Berry, star of the BBC series Harbour Lights, will launch London's Lifeboat Day at St Katharine's Dock.

The event will also mark Lifeboat Week which raises more than £300,000 from house-to-house collections from the charity each year.

On Sunday the BBC's Songs of Praise, broadcast from Cullercoats, Tyne and Wear, will be dedicated to the RNLI and feature crew members and supporters.

A flotilla of lifeboats, old and new, including a selection from Europe will go on display in June at Poole Harbour in Dorset.

And during the 18th International Lifeboat Federation, Shipping Minister Glenda Jackson will host a dinner on the HMS Warrior in Portsmouth to mark the government's appreciation of the service.

In May theme park enthusiasts will be able to try the first "wet knuckle" ride at Drayton Manor, Tamworth, Staffordshire, with the launch of Stormforce 10, named after the RNLI junior membership scheme.

A floral lifeboat can be seen at the Chelsea Flower Show and local flower beds will bloom with the anniversary logo this spring.

In June a road show will tour the UK giving people a chance to look at lifeboats through the ages.

The RNLI will also make special appearances at the Edinburgh Tattoo and the last Royal Tournament at Earl's Court.