| Société nationale de sauvetage en mer | |
|---|---|
| Abbreviation | SNSM |
| Motto | " Pour que l'eau salée n'ait jamais le goût des larmes" (So that salt water never taste of tears. |
| Formation | 1967 |
| Type | Life savers |
| Legal status | NGO |
| Purpose/focus | The SNSM is the charity that saves lives at sea |
| Headquarters | Paris |
| Region served | France |
| Official languages | French |
| President | Rear Admiral Yves Lagane]] |
| Budget | €20.2 million |
| Staff | 1200 |
| Volunteers | 5800 |
| Website | www.snsm.org |
The Société Nationale de Sauvetage en Mer (SNSM) is a French voluntary organisation founded in 1967 by merging the Société Centrale de Sauvetage des Naufragés (founded in 1865) and the Hospitaliers Sauveteurs Bretons (1873). Its task is saving lives at sea around the French coast, including the overseas départments and territories.
In 2009 the SNSM was responsible for about half of all sea rescue operations and saved 5,400 lives in 2816 call-outs and assisted 2140 boats in distress. 65% of funding comes from the private sector (donations, bequeathals and sponsorship) and 35% commes from the national government, the regions, the départements and the local communities.
The SNSM has the following boats:
The boats are dispersed in 185 stations (including 15 in overseas territories).