Dunmore East RNLI Open Water Swim Returns for 2026

4th February 2026

Afloat.ie Team

Swimmers taking part in the 2024 edition of the Dunmore East RNLI Open Water Swim Credit: RNLI/Peter Grogan

The sixth annual Dunmore East RNLI Open Water Swim event is back this year, taking place on Sunday 24 May.

Sponsored by EirGrid, the operator and developer of Ireland’s electricity grid, this popular annual event plays a vital role in supporting the lifesaving work of Dunmore East RNLI.

Welcoming the announcement, Sinead Dooley, head of public engagement at EirGrid said: “EirGrid is delighted to be back for another year sponsoring the Dunmore East RNLI Open Water Swim, and welcomes the opening of registrations for 2026.

“As we work towards creating a more sustainable future for the next generation, powered by clean, renewable energy, we are committed to supporting organisations who are at the heart of the local area. We look forward to meeting the swimmers, kayakers and supporters in Dunmore East in May!”

The event will feature three swim distances: 1,600m, 800m and 500m, offering an open water challenge for swimmers of all levels, from seasoned athletes to enthusiastic first-timers.

Swimmers take to the water in Dunmore East | Credit: RNLI/Peter Grogan

“It’s a real community effort — not just in raising vital funds, but in bringing people together to support a cause that saves lives at sea,” said Margaret Barry, chair of the Dunmore East RNLI Fundraising Branch.

“From crew to shop volunteers, to operations team and fundraisers, it means a lot to us at the station, it’s our biggest fundraiser of the year.”

Safety remains the top priority, with experienced kayakers and safety boats on hand to provide full support along the swim course.

All proceeds raised from this event directly supports the volunteer lifeboat crew of Dunmore East RNLI. These vital funds ensure they have the essential training, equipment, and resources needed to remain on call, ready to respond 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Whether you’re a seasoned swimmer or just looking to challenge yourself for a worthy cause, all are invited to take the plunge and join a community that truly makes a difference. Early registration is encouraged as places are limited.

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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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