What does the cryptic crossword clue "At sea, if able to, this saves people (8)" mean?

The definition is "At sea,". The wordplay uses an anagram. anagram of IF + ABLE + TO, = LIFEBOAT; definition: "At sea," The answer is LIFEBOAT.

At sea, if able to, this saves people (8)

Times Cryptic #28870 | 8 Down | 2024-03-21 flower