Why is RNLI not government funded?
The volunteers I know would be very reluctant to get involved with if it where so. They do it for love of the work and a sense of duty. Chapeau to them for that. I have been towed in during a gale after being dismasted and a good friend was evacuated after suffering a major heart attack. You only need to look at the cuts to Air Sea rescue and the Coast Guard to be glad the RNLI is self sustaining.
Absolutely this! ^^