Arklow RNLI is inviting the local community and visitors alike to join its celebrations as the lifeboat station marks 200 years of saving lives at sea with a special Open Day this Sunday 2 August, as previously reported on Afloat.ie.
Established in 1826, Arklow Lifeboat Station is one of Ireland’s oldest RNLI stations and has been at the heart of the local community for two centuries.
Generations of volunteer lifeboat crew have answered the call to launch in all weather conditions, providing a lifesaving service to those in danger at sea.
To celebrate this historic bicentenary, the station will host a Community Open Day from 12.30pm to 5.30pm, offering visitors the opportunity to meet the volunteer crew, explore the lifeboat station and enjoy a wide range of family friendly attractions.
The celebrations begin the evening before with a Lifeboat Bingo Night in Árus Lorcáin on Saturday 1 August, starting at 8pm. The fundraising event will help support the RNLI’s lifesaving work, with all funds raised contributing towards the charity's mission of saving lives at sea.
The Open Day will feature a full programme of entertainment and activities, including the traditional Blessing of the Fleet, a ‘Show and Shine’ car display, live music, BBQ, craft fair, face painting, Hook-a-Duck, Wheel of Fortune, horse and trap rides and the Pirates Express Train.
Visitors can also enjoy displays from the RNLI Museum, a model boat exhibition, the RNLI Sea Safety Team, a free lifejacket clinic and an RNLI pop-up shop.
Families are invited to take part in the International Dog Show, while the Little Warriors Sensory Bus will provide an inclusive space promoting neurodiversity, social inclusion and acceptance within the community.
Subject to operational requirements, representatives from Arklow Fire Service, Arklow Community First Responders, An Garda Síochána Water Unit, Courtown/Arklow Coast Guard Unit and the Customs and Excise Canine Detector Dog Team are also expected to attend, giving visitors an opportunity to meet personnel and learn more about the important role each service plays in protecting the public.
Speaking ahead of the event, Pat Nolan, fundraising PRO at Arklow RNLI said: “Celebrating 200 years of Arklow Lifeboat Station is a proud milestone, not just for our volunteers but for the entire community. This station has a long and proud history of saving lives at sea, made possible through the dedication of generations of volunteer crew and the incredible support of the people of Arklow.
“We would love everyone to come along, meet the crew, enjoy the day and help us celebrate this special anniversary while learning more about the RNLI's lifesaving work and water safety.”
The RNLI is funded almost entirely by voluntary donations. The Lifeboat Bingo Night and Lifeboat Station Open Day provide an opportunity to support the charity while recognising the commitment of the volunteers who continue the lifesaving tradition that began in Arklow 200 years ago.
Everyone is welcome to attend what promises to be a memorable weekend celebrating one of Ireland’s oldest lifeboat stations and an important chapter in Arklow’s maritime history.
