For generations, women have saved lives, launched lifeboats and raised millions for the RNLI. At Clogherhead and Dunmore East RNLI, among many others, women are continuing this lifesaving legacy.
In Clogherhead, Co Louth, as far back as March 1904 — because of circumstances at the time — it is reported that local women launched the lifeboat. The usual land crew were not available because of an incident at sea involving local fishermen who would usually have carried out the launch.
Fifty-four years since the first woman qualified as an RNLI crew member, women make up around 12.3% of the RNLI’s volunteer lifeboat crew, a figure which is steadily growing.
Clogherhead RNLI volunteer Lisa Levins said: “International Women’s Day is all about girl power, but we are one crew and everyone is equal regardless of what role they do for the wider Clogherhead RNLI team. It doesn’t matter if you are female or male, we are all working together to save lives and keep people safe.’
Volunteer Barbara Kirk said: “If we can inspire other women and girls to think that this is something they can do too, then that is a bonus.
“To anyone thinking about joining the RNLI, just give it a go. Even if you haven’t got any background on the water or don’t know your way around a boat, there are roles for everyone and the training and support is comprehensive.”
Raina Freiberg is a volunteer crew members on Dunmore East RNLI’s all-weather lifeboat | Credit: RNLI/Nigel Millard
Elsewhere, Raina Freiberg joined the RNLI in Tramore in 2005 at the age of 18, eager to make a difference in her community.
Now part of the Dunmore East RNLI lifeboat crew in Co Waterford, she is proud to have served on four lifeboats and three different lifeboat classes, gaining valuable experience and skills over the course of nearly 20 years service with the charity.
“As a woman in the RNLI, I feel privileged to be part of the station where Frances Glody paved the way in RNLI history,” Raina said.
In 1981, Dunmore East’s Frances Glody became the first female RNLI all-weather lifeboat crew member in Ireland. Today, women make up around 12.3% of the RNLI’s volunteer lifeboat crew, a figure which is steadily growing.
Raina is pleased to see the changes over the years, such as the new crew kit designed specifically for women. She says it's the little things that make big differences: “I’m thrilled to see all-female crews saving lives at sea and I believe that there is an opportunity for women to fulfil any role they desire in the RNLI. We are all working together to save lives and keep people safe.”
Frances Glody was Ireland’s first female RNLI all-weather lifeboat crew member when she joined the Dunmore East unit in 1981 | Credit: RNLI Archive
Sue Kingswood, RNLI inclusion and diversity manager added: “Creating an inclusive culture which supports diversity is key to our long-term sustainability. So, we’re working hard to make sure that a wide range of people see the RNLI as a charity where they’re welcome as volunteers, supporters or staff.
“As we approach our 200th anniversary, women are now more evident in operational search and rescue roles throughout the RNLI than they have ever been before. They are also better represented across operational management and in SAR training roles, which is great to see.
“However, we still have a long way to go to achieve the representation we would like, not only where women are concerned, but across a much broader spectrum of diversity too.”
