Tramore RNLI volunteers to feature in BBC’s Saving Lives at Sea

27th September 2026

Afloat.ie Team

Saving lives at sea: Tramore RNLI volunteers who feature in the latest series of the BBC’s Saving Lives at Sea, showcasing the work of the Waterford lifeboat station crew Credit: RNLI

The maritime TV programme follows the Tramore lifeboat crew as they respond to an early-morning pager alert, capturing the reality of a volunteer lifeboat callout. During filming, crew members also shared their rescue experiences and spoke about life at a lifeboat station that has been part of the Tramore community for generations.

Volunteers share lifeboat station story

Tramore RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager Clive Smith said the appearance represented an opportunity to showcase the work of the station’s volunteers, fundraisers and supporters.

“We’re delighted to see Tramore RNLI feature on Saving Lives at Sea for the first time,” he said. “Our lifeboat station has been shaped by the many volunteers, fundraisers and supporters who have given their time to it over decades."

Ready for the call: Tramore RNLI volunteers prepare for their appearance in the latest series of the BBC’s Saving Lives at Sea, which follows the crew during a real pager alert and rescue response. Photo: RNLI

“The crew featured in the programme are part of that continuing story. It’s lovely to see them representing the station and the town, and giving people a glimpse of what happens when the pager sounds.”

RNLI rescue stories on screen

Saving Lives at Sea has followed RNLI lifesavers since 2016, combining real-life rescue footage with interviews from volunteers and those helped by lifeboat crews.

The latest series features more than 30 RNLI lifeboat stations, highlighting the experiences of volunteers across Ireland and the UK.

In 2025, RNLI lifeboat crews around Ireland and the UK aided 8,290 people and saved 272 lives, while RNLI lifeguards helped 36,213 people and saved 117 lives.

Tramore RNLI’s first appearance

The episode marks the first time Tramore RNLI has featured in the BBC series, bringing the work of the Waterford station’s volunteer crew to a wider audience.

The programme airs on BBC Two on Wednesday 30 September at 8 pm.

Published in RNLI Lifeboats, Maritime TV

Published in RNLI Lifeboats

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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