The invention provides a release device and lifesaving equipment. The release device comprises a base body, a release assembly, a jacking assembly and a controller in communication connection with a power assembly and controlling opening and closing of the power assembly; the jacking assembly can be driven by the power assembly to rotate to the limited release assembly so as to make the release assembly lock a locking position of a fixing hook on a life raft, and rotate to be separated from the release assembly so that the release assembly releases a release position of the fixing hook on thelife raft. In an emergency situation, an ordinary person can automatically control the release assembly to rotate from the locking position to the release position by operating the controller, therebyachieving the automatic release of the life raft, the operation is simple, and the operation can be completed without professional training, thereby gaining valuable time for self-rescue of passengers in water disasters.