lifeboat

Everyday

1. A strong boat kept on the coast that goes out to rescue people in danger at sea. tree →
2. A small boat carried on a ship, used to escape if the ship sinks. tree →

In the lessons

In safety lessons and stories the lifeboat crew rescue swimmers and sailors in storms; in the UK and Ireland the RNLI runs lifeboats, often with volunteers. The Titanic story is famous because there were not enough lifeboats. Phrases: «launch the lifeboat», «lifeboat crew», «lifeboat station», «lifeboat drill».

Examples

• The lifeboat rescued two fishermen in the storm. tree →
• The Titanic did not have enough lifeboats for everyone. tree →
• My uncle is a volunteer on the lifeboat crew. tree →
• We visited the lifeboat station by the harbour. tree →
• The passengers climbed into the lifeboats. tree →
• Every ship has a lifeboat drill. tree →

Note

Countable, one word. Similar: life raft (a floating raft), lifejacket (worn to float). Do not confuse with lifeguard (a person watching swimmers on a beach or at a pool).