The RNLI has released new data from 2025 which shows lifeboats in Northern Ireland launched 235 times last year.
Volunteer crews at its 10 lifeboat stations brought 214 people to safety, three of whom were lives saved, with 80 of those launches carried out in the hours of darkness.
Locally, Carrybridge RNLI launched 20 times in 2025 on Upper Lough Erne, with volunteer crew coming to the aid of 48 people. Some six of those lifeboat launches were carried out in the dark.
Meanwhile, RNLI lifeguards responded to 329 incidents and came to the aid of 382 people, seven of whom were lives saved.
Overall on the island of Ireland, the RNLI recorded nearly 1,000 lifeboat launches in 2025, as previously reported on Afloat.ie.
The RNLI data shows the high demand on lifeboat crews and lifeguards and so the charity is putting out its own Mayday call, urging the public to get involved with its biggest national fundraising event, the Mayday Mile, to help fund its vital lifesaving service.
Participants are challenged to cover a mile a day for the month of May, with every penny raised helping to make sure that the charity’s lifesavers have everything they need to keep people safe this summer and beyond.
David Reid, Carrybridge RNLI helm says: “Each year we see how quickly things can change on the water. Our crews are always ready to respond, but we can only do what we do thanks to the public’s generosity. This May, we’re asking people to step up and support us through the Mayday Mile so we can keep saving lives when it matters most.
“The new figures show just how demanding last year was. Every launch represents someone in urgent need — and our volunteers drop everything to help. With summer approaching, Mayday is our chance to make sure we have the equipment and training needed for whatever comes next.”
Whether you choose to walk, jog, hop or skip, a mile every day in May will help raise vital funds for RNLI lifesavers, so that they can continue to keep people safe at sea and on our inland waterways.
Linda-Gene Byrne, RNLI water safety lead said: “These latest statistics make it clear that our lifesaving service remains as vital as ever. Whether it’s paddleboarders caught by offshore winds, walkers stranded by the tide or boaters in difficulty, our crews are answering calls every day of the year.
“Taking part in the Mayday Mile is a simple way for people to support our volunteers. Every pound raised helps ensure our crews can launch at a moment’s notice — and be there for families when they need us most.”
To sign up for the Mayday Mile, or to make a donation in support of the RNLI’s lifesavers, visit RNLI.org/supportMayday.
