In 2017, for its fiftieth anniversary, the government decreed sea rescue to be a "Great national cause" and instituted the first National Sea Rescuer Day. The objective of the SNSM is to rescue anyone in danger at sea and on the coast, in Metropolitan France and the Overseas Territories (Reunion, the Antilles, New-Caledonia, Mayotte, Saint-Pierre and Miquelon and French Guiana). It is the only institution to have both the skills and qualifications needed to intervene on the beaches and offshore.
It draws upon 8,000 volunteers dedicated to rescue at sea. In 2018, lifeboats and lifeguards aided 30,000 people, including more than 9,000 at sea.
The national sea rescuers association is 80% financed by private donations, and its main purpose is rescuing people at sea. It draws upon the services of 8,000 volunteers for sea rescue operations and operates from 214 rescue stations throughout France (Metropolitan and overseas) and from 32 training and intervention centres.