RNLI launches Mayday for funds as figures show Dublin lifeboat crews rescued 163 people last year

The RNLI is launching its Mayday Mile fundraiser as the charity’s rescue figures for 2020 show that volunteer lifeboat crews at its lifeboat stations in Dublin launched 145 times and brought 163 people to safety.

The RNLI operates three lifeboat stations in the county at Dun Laoghaire, Howth and Skerries. Thirteen of those launches were carried out in the hours of darkness.

 Nationally, over half (53%) of the charity’s 945 lifeboat launches took place in the months of June, July and August.

Pictured are members of lifeboat crew from Skerries RNLI

Volunteer lifeboat crews are getting ready for what they expect will be a busy summer with people continuing to holiday at home. Last year, with the country dealing with restrictions put in place to fight the pandemic, lifeboat crews were still busy, bringing 1,145 people to safety.

The RNLI’s Mayday campaign begins on Saturday 1 May and runs throughout the month.

Lifesavers are calling on supporters to join the Mayday Mile and cover the distance for the charity in any way they chose to raise vital funds to help lifeboat crews continue their work. Sign up at RNLI.org/SupportMayday

Dun Laoghaire RNLI Coxswain Mark McGibney said: “Last year was an extremely busy one for our lifeboat crews. During some weekends over the summer there were multiple lifeboat launches and our crew had to drop everything and make their way to the station.

“The increased popularity of a range of water sports has seen more people in the water.  We have also seen a rise in people getting cut off by the tide and becoming stranded.

“With restrictions still in place we are expecting another summer of increased lifeboat activity.”

Howth RNLI Coxswain Fred Connolly added: “Our lifeboat crews will be on call as always and we are very grateful for the support we get from the public, which goes to fund our lifeboats, training and equipment.

“The Mayday Mile is an activity that anyone can do, covering any distance they like.

“In taking part they are helping to save lives at sea and supporting the volunteer lifeboat crews.

“We are looking forward to seeing people out on the water but we want them to be safe.”

To sign up for the Mayday Mile, or to make a donation in support of the RNLI’s lifesavers, visit RNLI.org/supportMayday