A charity has advised its volunteers to avoid wearing branded clothing following reports abuse from anti-migrant protestors.
The guidance was issued by the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) after volunteers and staff were apparently targeted during protests in Dover and Portsmouth, where they were criticised for helping bring migrants ashore.
RNLI branches across Essex, including Southend, Clacton, and Walton and Frinton, have voiced their support for colleagues facing abuse.
In a post on Facebook, Southend RNLI said: "Southend RNLI stands in solidarity with our colleagues across the entire RNLI and remains committed to saving lives at sea without judgment, fear or favour, as our charity has done for more than 200 years.
"For those who stand with us, thank you."
Social media footage has been shared, showing volunteers being called "traitors" as they helped a dinghy to safety in Portsmouth.
A small protest was also held this week at the RNLI College in Poole, Dorset.
In response, the RNLI has increased security at its sites and issued new safety guidance.
An RNLI spokesperson said: "Given the unacceptable abuse our people have faced, and with protest activity taking place at RNLI locations, we have taken action to help ensure the safety and wellbeing of our volunteers and staff.
"As well as enhancing security at RNLI locations, we issued guidance to our people earlier this week on how to keep themselves safe.
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"This guidance included how to manage potentially challenging interactions with members of the public, and where appropriate, choosing not to wear RNLI-branded clothing.
"Our people have been reminded that their safety comes first, and they are encouraged to report relevant incidents internally and, where appropriate, to the police."
RNLI chief executive Peter Sparks described the abuse as "unacceptable" and praised the dedication of RNLI volunteers, who he said "represent the very best of society."
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