Bundoran RNLI Set to Host Annual Emergency Services Open Day Later This Month

13th August 2024

A scene from 2023’s Emergency Services Open Day in Bundoran Credit: Ger Foy

Bundoran RNLI’s volunteers will once again team up with their emergency services colleagues to host the annual Emergency Services Open Day at the pier in Bundoran on Sunday 25 August from 1pm to 4pm.

The popular free event, which attracts both locals and visitors alike, is a unique opportunity for members of the public to meet the crews and see lifesaving equipment up close as well as getting an understanding of how it works.

There will also be the opportunity to purchase some RNLI souvenirs in the pop-up shop which be available on the day, including the new exclusive Bundoran RNLI pin badge as well as items from the RNLI 200 range.

Already confirmed to take part are Bundoran RNLI, Bundoran Fire & Rescue, Tyrone Underwater Search & Recovery, Donegal Bay CFR, the Irish Coast Guard and the Ballyshannon-based ECAS (Emergency Call Answering Service) team, with plenty more expected to join in on the day.

Emergency services came together in Bundoran in 2023 and will repeat their collaborative open day this year | Credit: Ger Foy

Organiser of the event, volunteer Shane Smyth said: “This is a really great opportunity for everyone to meet and greet the crews of the various emergency services based in the locality as well as for the crews themselves to get the chance to meet for a few hours.

“It’s always an exciting day with lots of different activities for attendees to take part in while also getting the relevant safety messages across too.”

This year’s event will be extra special as Bundoran RNLI marks 30 years — and a total of 50 years of a lifeboat service in the town — while the RNLI celebrates the 200th anniversary of its foundation in 1824. The Emergency Services Open Day is just one of the events being held to commemorate the occasion.

Parking will not be available on the pier on the day and patrons are requested to use any of the three free car parks in the vicinity (opposite the Allingham Arms, at the Post Office and at the West End Playground). For timely updates, follow Bundoran RNLI on Facebook and Instagram.

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Royal National Lifeboat Institute (RNLI) in Ireland Information

The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) is a charity to save lives at sea in the waters of UK and Ireland. Funded principally by legacies and donations, the RNLI operates a fleet of lifeboats, crewed by volunteers, based at a range of coastal and inland waters stations. Working closely with UK and Ireland Coastguards, RNLI crews are available to launch at short notice to assist people and vessels in difficulties.

RNLI was founded in 1824 and is based in Poole, Dorset. The organisation raised €210m in funds in 2019, spending €200m on lifesaving activities and water safety education. RNLI also provides a beach lifeguard service in the UK and has recently developed an International drowning prevention strategy, partnering with other organisations and governments to make drowning prevention a global priority.

Famous Irish Lifeboat Rescues

Irish Lifeboats have participated in many rescues, perhaps the most famous of which was the rescue of the crew of the Daunt Rock lightship off Cork Harbour by the Ballycotton lifeboat in 1936. Spending almost 50 hours at sea, the lifeboat stood by the drifting lightship until the proximity to the Daunt Rock forced the coxswain to get alongside and successfully rescue the lightship's crew.

32 Irish lifeboat crew have been lost in rescue missions, including the 15 crew of the Kingstown (now Dun Laoghaire) lifeboat which capsized while attempting to rescue the crew of the SS Palme on Christmas Eve 1895.

FAQs

Which is Ireland's busiest lifeboat station?

While the number of callouts to lifeboat stations varies from year to year, Howth Lifeboat station has aggregated more 'shouts' in recent years than other stations, averaging just over 60 a year.

Do the RNLI get paid?

Stations with an offshore lifeboat have a full-time mechanic, while some have a full-time coxswain. However, most lifeboat crews are volunteers.

How many RNLI Lifeboat stations in Ireland?

There are 46 lifeboat stations on the island of Ireland

How many lifeboat crew have been lost in rescue missions?

How many people are rescued by the RNLI?

In 2019, 8,941 lifeboat launches saved 342 lives across the RNLI fleet.

What type of boats does the RNLI have?

The Irish fleet is a mixture of inshore and all-weather (offshore) craft. The offshore lifeboats, which range from 17m to 12m in length are either moored afloat, launched down a slipway or are towed into the sea on a trailer and launched. The inshore boats are either rigid or non-rigid inflatables.

How are lifeboats called out?

The Irish Coast Guard in the Republic of Ireland or the UK Coastguard in Northern Ireland task lifeboats when an emergency call is received, through any of the recognised systems. These include 999/112 phone calls, Mayday/PanPan calls on VHF, a signal from an emergency position indicating radio beacon (EPIRB) or distress signals.

What is the relationship between the Irish Coast Guard and the RNLI in Ireland?

The Irish Coast Guard is the government agency responsible for the response to, and co-ordination of, maritime accidents which require search and rescue operations. To carry out their task the Coast Guard calls on their own resources – Coast Guard units manned by volunteers and contracted helicopters, as well as "declared resources" - RNLI lifeboats and crews. While lifeboats conduct the operation, the coordination is provided by the Coast Guard.

What is a coxswain?

A lifeboat coxswain (pronounced cox'n) is the skipper or master of the lifeboat.

What training do RNLI lifeboat crews get?

RNLI Lifeboat crews are required to follow a particular development plan that covers a pre-agreed range of skills necessary to complete particular tasks. These skills and tasks form part of the competence-based training that is delivered both locally and at the RNLI's Lifeboat College in Poole, Dorset

How can one support the RNLI?

While the RNLI is dependent on donations and legacies for funding, they also need volunteer crew and fund-raisers.

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