Bundoran RNLI will bring together emergency services from across the North West for its sixth annual RNLI and Emergency Services Open Day on Sunday, August 30. The free family event will run from 1 pm to 4 pm at Bundoran Lifeboat Station, with displays, demonstrations and interactive activities.
It follows a busy weekend for the RNLI crew who rescued a swimmer in a 2m swell off the main beach.
Visitors can see emergency vehicles and specialist rescue equipment and meet personnel from organisations involved in responding to incidents on land, at sea and on inland waters.
Water safety is core to the RNLI and Emergency Services Open Day; CPR demonstrations, safety advice and opportunities to speak directly with emergency service crews will also feature during the afternoon.
Among those expected to attend alongside Bundoran RNLI are Bundoran Fire and Rescue Service, An Garda Síochána, the Armed Support Unit, National Ambulance Service, BT Emergency Call Answering Service, Donegal Bay Community First Responders and the 28th Infantry Battalion from Finner Camp.
Killybegs Coast Guard, Tyrone Underwater Search and Recovery and Donegal Mountain Rescue Team are also due to take part, subject to operational requirements.
Event organiser and Bundoran RNLI volunteer Shane Smyth said the open day was an opportunity to highlight the work emergency services and volunteer organisations in the region do.
“We are incredibly fortunate to have so many dedicated emergency services and volunteer organisations serving our local area,” he said. “Our open day is an opportunity to celebrate the work they do every day, while giving members of the public the chance to meet the people behind the uniforms, explore their equipment and gain a better understanding of how these organisations work together when emergencies happen.”
Smyth said education was also an important part of the event, with visitors able to learn CPR, receive water-safety advice and find out more about the role of each participating organisation.
Bundoran RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager Daimon Fergus said the event had continued to grow since it was first staged.
“Our open day has grown year on year and has become a fantastic showcase of the teamwork that exists between the emergency services across the North West,” he said. “We are extremely grateful to all of our colleagues who give up their time to attend and share their knowledge and experience with the public.”
An RNLI pop-up shop will also operate during the afternoon, with proceeds supporting the charity’s lifesaving work. Admission is free, and the event is open to all.
