RNLI teams up with Map My Mole to check skin and save lives

The new partnership brings faster access to expert skin checks for those who work on the front line of our coasts.

This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to outdoor safety. Lifeguards’ active outdoor lifestyles - both on and off duty -make this service particularly relevant. While the RNLI already provides comprehensive sun protection, the rollout of Map My Mole’s mole testing kits adds an important layer of prevention support: sun safety and regular self-checks are essential.

Through this partnership, Map My Mole will deliver dermatologist-reviewed mole checks to RNLI lifeguards, completely free of charge. RNLI beach teams* will be equipped with a branded RNLI Lifeguard Unit Test Kit, enabling quick and easy access to consultant dermatologists via smartphone.

Every Map My Mole test kit includes:

• A Dyplens lens to capture high-quality images

• A mobile app with guided instructions

• Direct access to UK consultant dermatologists

In addition, £10 from every public skin check kit purchased will be donated to the RNLI - offering support for the charity, whilst easing patient anxiety at the point of need. Friends, family, and members of the RNLI community will also receive discounted access to mole checks.

Dr Toby Nelson, Co-Founder and Consultant Dermatologist, Map My Mole, says:

‘At the heart of this partnership is a shared commitment to protecting lives - whether it’s at sea or through early skin cancer detection.’

‘Together, we’ll provide expert-reviewed skin checks to RNLI staff and the public, with free test kits and training rolled out across 238 locations. Our technology helps patients spot suspicious moles in minutes, not months - with results from UK dermatologists in as little as 24 hours. Every mole checked is a life potentially saved, so we are thrilled to work together.’

With aligned values around safety, innovation, and prevention, the RNLI and Map My Mole will co-develop health content, staff communications, and training resources for RNLI teams. A beachside awareness campaign will promote mole check accessibility to the public - educating thousands about the importance of early detection and sun safety.

Peter Dawes, RNLI General Manager Lifeguard Operations, says:

‘We’re proud to partner with Map My Mole. Together, we’re not only helping to protect the health of our lifeguards but also giving the public the tools to act early when it comes to skin concerns. Safety sits at the heart of both our missions, and this partnership will raise vital funds for the RNLI while helping more people stay safe in the sun.’

*excluding Northern Ireland and Channel Islands

About Map My Mole

Map My Mole is a UK-based digital dermatology platform offering fast, consultant-reviewed skin assessments through smartphone-enabled mole checks. Its mission is to make early skin cancer detection accessible, affordable, and impactful.

Media Contact

Tottie Dalton, Head of Partnerships [email protected]

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,700 lives.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, X, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.