Hundreds of swimmers ranging from beginners to experienced athletes, fearlessly took on the challenge of the Dunmore East RNLI Open Water Swim last Sunday (28 May).

The event garnered an impressive response with 360 registered swimmers, all driven by a shared purpose: supporting the invaluable work of Dunmore East RNLI. Participants from around the country and beyond attended the event, promoting a sense of positivity, energy, and personal fulfilment while collecting necessary funds for the lifeboat station.

The event featured three swim options, offering distances of 1,600m, 800m, and 500m, thereby providing opportunities for individuals of all skill levels to test their mettle in the invigorating open water. Regrettably, the 1,600m swim had to be cancelled due to safety concerns arising from a strong north-easterly wind. Nonetheless, participant safety remained the utmost priority, and a dedicated team of kayakers, safety boats, and the state-of-the-art Shannon Class RNLI lifeboat, William & Agnes Wray, expertly escorted the swimmers throughout the event.

Dunmore East RNLI Open Water Swim participants: Fionnuala Houlihan, Nicola Cunniffe, Una Fennell and Anne Marie Power Photo: Peter Grogan

Carol McGeary from Dunmore East RNLI's Open Water Swim committee praised all involved with the event: ‘The inspiring community support and each participant's contribution were remarkable. The funds raised will power our volunteer crew's lifesaving work at sea. We are proud and grateful for this collective success in enhancing water safety and support.

‘The event highlighted the spirit of charity and volunteerism while emphasising water safety. Heartfelt appreciation goes out to everyone involved in creating this memorable day. The team eagerly look forward to the next event, continuing the tradition of community spirit and support for the Dunmore East RNLI.’

Dunmore East RNLI extends its sincere gratitude to the event's lead sponsors, Energia Renewables and Activate Waterford, for their generous support in bringing the swim to fruition. Gratitude is also extended to additional supporters, including Brendan Walsh Fruit & Veg, Strand Hotel, Powers Centra, Dunmore East Coastguard, Costcutter, Clem Jacob Hire, Dunmore East Fire Brigade, Order of Malta, The Fitness Beach Bum, Geoff Harris, Kellog's, and Lidl. Their contributions played an instrumental role in ensuring a memorable day for all.

The organising committee extends special thanks to Barry McConnell, Commodore of Waterford Harbour Sailing Club, Deirdre Lane, Harbour Master, and Karen Harris, Dunmore Adventure Centre, for their invaluable assistance in arranging and hosting the event. Their cooperation and flexibility in accommodating the event alongside their own activities are greatly appreciated.

Dunmore East RNLI assisted a crew of three people onboard a yacht stranded off Hook Head late on Thursday night (4 May).

After receiving an alert from the Irish Coast Guard, the volunteer lifeboat crew were called into action at 11.43pm to assist the 10m yacht in distress some one-and-a-half miles northwest of Hook Head.

The yacht, with three people onboard, found itself adrift after losing both engine power and electrics amid challenging weather conditions.

The Shannon class all-weather lifeboat William and Agnes Wray was promptly launched, and upon the crew conducting a search in the reported vicinity, it reached the yacht in poor visibility, with Force 5-6 winds, a moderate sea state and rainy conditions.

After evaluating the situation and ensuring the well-being of the yacht’s crew, the decision was made to tow the vessel back to the safety of Dunmore East Harbour.

Speaking following the callout, lifeboat coxswain Roy Abrahamsson said: “The yacht’s crew were relieved to see us arrive, as the loss of power had left them adrift and vulnerable in the challenging wind and rain conditions in darkness.

“We urge those going afloat to check their engine and fuel, always wear a lifejacket or buoyancy aid, and carry a means of calling for help.

“The lifeboat crew successfully completed the operation, with the lifeboat returning to the pontoon at 1am. This latest call out showcases the professionalism and dedication of Dunmore East RNLI’s volunteers, who consistently provide a vital service for those in need at sea. If you see someone in difficulty on or near the water, dial 999/112 or use Marine VHF Channel 16 and ask for the coastguard.”

Dunmore East RNLI's courageous volunteer crew members in County Waterford will take on the daunting challenge of climbing a vertical mile in a single day, on Sunday, 7 May, as part of the charity's Mayday Mile fundraising challenge.

The dedicated crew will test their strength and stamina by summiting the highest peaks in both the Comeragh and Knockmealdown mountains, ascending a vertical mile over the course of the day. To make the challenge even more gruelling, the team will be wearing their full lifeboat kit. The aim is to raise vital funds and awareness for the RNLI, the charity dedicated to saving lives at sea.

The crew will include Hugh O'Sullivan, Peter Grogan, Oscar Stafford, Adam Sweeney and Luka Sweeney, all volunteers on the all-weather lifeboat in Dunmore East.

Money raised through the Mayday Mile could help RNLI lifesavers have everything they need to keep families safe this summer. Warmer weather draws more people to the water, and RNLI volunteer lifeboat crews will drop whatever they’re doing when a call for help comes in.

'Our team is passionate about the lifesaving work of the RNLI, and we wanted to take on a challenge that would not only raise funds for the charity but also highlight the dedication and bravery of our volunteers,' said Adam Sweeney, a crew member on the Dunmore East RNLI Lifeboat. 'As someone who will be participating in the Mayday Mile, I am excited and eager to push my limits in support of the RNLI's vital work. This challenge serves as a reminder of the resilience and determination our crews embody when faced with difficult conditions at sea.'

'Summer can be our busiest time of year, with many people at risk of getting into danger by the water. Ordinary people just enjoying days out with family or friends. Mayday is our own call for help, as we rely on the generosity of the public to take part in events like the Mayday Mile and raise the funds that allow us to be there when we’re needed most. But we need to be ready. Training, kit, stations, fuel, these are just some of the things we need to save lives, and that your fundraising can help provide.’

People can help support Dunmore East RNLI's efforts by making a donation or getting involved through the Mayday Mile fundraising page.

Dunmore East RNLI successfully assisted a lone sailor after they got into difficulty on their 30ft yacht outside the Co Waterford town’s harbour last Thursday (20 April).

The lifeboat crew was called into action just after 8pm on Thursday night by the Irish Coast Guard after they were alerted that a lone sailor aboard a 30ft yacht was in difficulty after the vessel lost power approximately one mile south east of the harbour.

Led by coxswain Roy Abrahamsson, the volunteer crew promptly launched in the Shannon Class all-weather lifeboat William & Agnes Wray and reached the stranded yacht swiftly in calm conditions.

In the meantime, the crew from the Port of Waterford pilot boat were on scene first as they were in the area at the time, checked in with the sailor and stood by in a support capacity ensuring the sailor’s safety until the lifeboat arrived.

The vessel had been on the final stages of a long passage from the UK and encountered difficulties on the last leg. To ensure the safety of the sailor, the lifeboat crew established a tow line to bring the yacht back to Dunmore East.

Thanks to the combined efforts of the lifeboat crew, pilot boat and the sailor, the yacht was successfully towed to the harbour by 9pm.

Reflecting on the incident, Dunmore East RNLI lifeboat press officer Peter Grogan said: “The sailor did the right thing calling for assistance and we were happy to help.

“When going afloat we would remind everyone to check their engine and fuel, always wear a lifejacket or buoyancy aid, and carry a means of calling for help. If you see someone in difficulty on or near the water, dial 999/112 or use marine VHF Channel 16 and ask for the coastguard.”

For generations, women have saved lives, launched lifeboats and raised millions for the RNLI. At Clogherhead and Dunmore East RNLI, among many others, women are continuing this lifesaving legacy.

In Clogherhead, Co Louth, as far back as March 1904 — because of circumstances at the time — it is reported that local women launched the lifeboat. The usual land crew were not available because of an incident at sea involving local fishermen who would usually have carried out the launch.

Fifty-four years since the first woman qualified as an RNLI crew member, women make up around 12.3% of the RNLI’s volunteer lifeboat crew, a figure which is steadily growing.

Clogherhead RNLI volunteer Lisa Levins said: “International Women’s Day is all about girl power, but we are one crew and everyone is equal regardless of what role they do for the wider Clogherhead RNLI team. It doesn’t matter if you are female or male, we are all working together to save lives and keep people safe.’

Volunteer Barbara Kirk said: “If we can inspire other women and girls to think that this is something they can do too, then that is a bonus.

“To anyone thinking about joining the RNLI, just give it a go. Even if you haven’t got any background on the water or don’t know your way around a boat, there are roles for everyone and the training and support is comprehensive.”

Raina Freiberg is a volunteer crew members on Dunmore East RNLI’s all-weather lifeboat | Credit: RNLI/Nigel Millard

Elsewhere, Raina Freiberg joined the RNLI in Tramore in 2005 at the age of 18, eager to make a difference in her community.

Now part of the Dunmore East RNLI lifeboat crew in Co Waterford, she is proud to have served on four lifeboats and three different lifeboat classes, gaining valuable experience and skills over the course of nearly 20 years service with the charity.

“As a woman in the RNLI, I feel privileged to be part of the station where Frances Glody paved the way in RNLI history,” Raina said.

In 1981, Dunmore East’s Frances Glody became the first female RNLI all-weather lifeboat crew member in Ireland. Today, women make up around 12.3% of the RNLI’s volunteer lifeboat crew, a figure which is steadily growing.

Raina is pleased to see the changes over the years, such as the new crew kit designed specifically for women. She says it's the little things that make big differences: “I’m thrilled to see all-female crews saving lives at sea and I believe that there is an opportunity for women to fulfil any role they desire in the RNLI. We are all working together to save lives and keep people safe.”

Frances Glody was Ireland’s first female RNLI all-weather lifeboat crew member when she joined the Dunmore East unit in 1981 | Credit: RNLI Archive

Sue Kingswood, RNLI inclusion and diversity manager added: “Creating an inclusive culture which supports diversity is key to our long-term sustainability. So, we’re working hard to make sure that a wide range of people see the RNLI as a charity where they’re welcome as volunteers, supporters or staff.

“As we approach our 200th anniversary, women are now more evident in operational search and rescue roles throughout the RNLI than they have ever been before. They are also better represented across operational management and in SAR training roles, which is great to see.

“However, we still have a long way to go to achieve the representation we would like, not only where women are concerned, but across a much broader spectrum of diversity too.”

This year will see the welcome return of the annual Dunmore East RNLI Open Water Swim in County Waterford, which will take place on Sunday, 28th May 2023.

Hundreds of swimmers will be taking to the water starting from the slip at the Waterford Harbour Sailing Club in Dunmore East. There will be three swim options with distances of 1600m, 800m and 500m. The first swim will start at 11.30 am.

Hundreds of swimmers starting from the slip at the Waterford Harbour Sailing Club in Dunmore East for the RNLI open water swim 

With growing awareness of the health benefits of swimming and the recognition that open water swimming can provide an additional workout and also a mental health boost, Dunmore East RNLI will once again host this significant event that will see people take part in a rewarding swim challenge in a safe environment whilst also supporting the important work of the RNLI.

Speaking at the launch, chair of the fundraising branch at Dunmore East RNLI, Margaret Barry, said, ‘I can’t believe that it’s been six years since our last swim event, and we are excited to be relaunching for 2023. An event like this provides essential funds for our volunteer lifeboat crew to continue vital life saving work here in Dunmore East. We live in one of the most beautiful parts of the country with a stunning coastline, and it is the perfect location for a swim!’

Registration will be available online from Wednesday, 1st of February via Eventbrite.com.

Waterford City and County Council has been criticised for its use of bleach to disinfect streams that enter the sea near two popular coastal bathing areas, as TheJournal.ie reports.

The council says it uses sodium hypochlorite to sanitise streams near beaches at Dunmore East and Tramore during the summer bathing season, citing the prevalence of children playing in the waters.

But the chemical compound is considered harmful to flora and fauna by various State agencies, with NGOs like Coastwatch Ireland also expressing their concern.

TheJournal.ie has much more on the story HERE.

As Afloat reported on August 16th, Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) says it is investigating the “very concerning” claim. 

As previously reported the Port of Waterford announced an operating profit of €1.1 million for 2021, up from €700,000 on the year.

Turnover was €7.7m and shareholder's funds ended the year at €34m.

Bulk throughput in 2021 came in at 1.7 million tonnes, an 11% increase on 2020, while containers handled remained broadly in line with 2020.

The port said that activity for the first half of 2022 demonstrates that the business is again showing positive momentum in 2022 with bulk handling ahead of 2021 by over 12% at the half year and laden container throughput up 5% on last year.

Frank Ronan, Chief Executive, said the port performed well in 2021 despite the many challenges faced in that year.

RTE News also reports on the welcome return of the cruiseship sector to the south-east region, where Afloat adds a further nine callers are scheduled this season.

A total of 52 boats from a dozen clubs around the island competed in the Topper Irish National Championships hosted by Waterford Harbour Sailing Club in Dunmore East from July 1 to 3.

The event offered sailors an opportunity to show what they are capable of in a range of weather conditions, from Friday’s strong gusts and heavy swells to Sunday’s much lighter
winds and calmer seas.

Friday’s conditions in particular offered some challenging and exhilarating moments for the junior fleet. A southwesterly wind ranging from 15kt to 18kt in the first race had begun gusting 25kt by the second race. On the downwind leg in race 2, one Topper was clocked at 11.5kt.

The gusts and the 2m-3m swell made for a tough day for all involved, and the safety team were kept busy under the careful oversight of Safety Leader Philip Scallan.

Race Officer Michael Conway and Philip Scallan assessed conditions after race 2 and decided to postpone the planned third race and let everybody come ashore.

On Saturday, there was still a good strong SW breeze of 15-18kt, and while the bright sunshine made for more pleasant conditions, the sailors still had a big swell to contend with during the day’s three races. The strong wind took its toll on the junior fleet with quite a few retiring after the 2nd race.

On Sunday, the fleet was greeted with a complete contrast of calm conditions and a wind that barely reached 8-10kts. The change in wind strength also brought a change in the results pattern over the three races, with some sailors taking the opportunity to show what they can do in lighter winds.

Bobby Driscoll of Ballyholme Yacht Club led the fleet throughout Friday and Saturday with an impressive 5 bullets by the end of Saturday, and a 10th and 2nd on Sunday, to claim the overall title. RCYC’s Liam Duggan maintained his second place spot through the first four races to eventually come second overall, while clubmate Riona McMorrow Moriarty remained a strong contender throughout, taking third place overall and first junior female.

In the 4.2 fleet, Calum Pollard of County Antrim Yacht Club had an unbroken run of seven first place positions, with lively competition for the second and third spots. WHSC’s Lúí Ivory took second place, and clubmate Niamh Lynch was third.
With as many as 40 sailors competing in the Topper Nationals also due to take part in the World Championships, many spent Sunday evening packing their boats into a container fotransport to Lake Garda. Competitors praised the well-organised event, which was sponsored by Toyta Waterford and Suirway, and warm WHSC welcome they got over the weekend, including a youth disco on Saturday.

Selected overall Topper Irish National Championships results

Main fleet
1 – Bobby Driscoll (RNIYC/BYC)
2 – Liam Duggan (RCYC)
3 - Riona McMorrow Moriarty (RCYC)
4.2 fleet
1 - Calum Pollard (County Antrim Yacht Club)
2 – Lúí Ivory (WHSC)
3 – Niamh Lynch (WHSC)
Youth female
1 - Autumn Halliday (Strangford Lough YC)
2 – Katie Brow (BYC)
3 – Isabelle Passberger (WHSC)
Youth male
1 - Bobby Driscoll (RNIYC/BYC)
2 – Liam Duggan (RCYC)
3 – Rian Collins (RCYC)
Junior female
1 - Riona McMorrow Moriarty (RCYC)
2 – Emily McAfee (BYC)
3 – Chloe Craig (Carrickfergus SC)
Junior male
1 – Cormac Byrne (Strangford SC / BYC)
2 – Joseph Robinson (BYC)
3 – Henry Nelson (BYC)

Full results here

At a special naming ceremony and service of dedication held today (Sunday 26 June), volunteers at Dunmore East RNLI officially named their all-weather Shannon class lifeboat, William and Agnes Wray.

The lifeboat which went on service in September last year is named after the Manchester couple who were happily married for over 60 years and who had three children, all of whom have had a proud connection to the sea.

The honour of handing over the lifeboat and officially naming her, went to Robin Malcolm, a representative of David Malcolm, a secondary funder of the lifeboat, assisted by crew member Brendan Dunne. The Shannon is the third all-weather lifeboat that Brendan, a volunteer with the RNLI for 37 years, has served on. He was also crew on the Waveney class, St Patrick and the Trent class Elizabeth and Ronald.

Dunmore East RNLI crew on the All-Weather Shannon Class Lifeboat for the christening ceremony

The Shannon replaces the station’s Trent class lifeboat which was on service in Dunmore East since 1996. During those 25 years, Elizabeth and Ronald launched 412 times, bringing 821 people to safety, 20 of whom were lives saved.

During today’s naming ceremony, John Killeen, RNLI Trustee and Chair of the RNLI Council in Ireland, accepted the lifeboat on behalf of the charity before handing her into the care of Dunmore East RNLI.

Deputy Launching Authority Karen Harris accepted the lifeboat on behalf of the station ahead of the Shannon being blessed in a service of dedication led by Father Brian Power and the Reverend Bruce Hayes. The lifeboat was then officially named William and Agnes Wray.

During her address, Karen said the event was a special occasion for the lifeboat station adding that the crew were most grateful to the donors for their generous gift which had funded the lifeboat.

‘As Deputy Launching Authority, part of my job is to authorise her launch when requested. It is my job to send a message to the volunteers, asking them to get down to the station as quickly as possible. When the crew arrive here and get kitted up and head out to sea, we will have peace of mind because this lifeboat will help to keep them safe as they save others. So, on behalf of all the station volunteers, I would like to thank the donors. Your generosity has given Dunmore East a lifesaver.’

The lifeboat now stationed in the popular Waterford fishing village is the first Shannon class in the RNLI fleet to be based in the south-east of Ireland.

The Shannon class lifeboat is the first modern all-weather lifeboat to be propelled by waterjets instead of traditional propellers, making it the most agile and manoeuvrable all-weather lifeboat in the RNLI’s fleet. The naming of the class of lifeboat follows a tradition of naming lifeboats after rivers. When the Shannon was introduced to the RNLI fleet, it became the first time an Irish river was chosen, and it was done so to reflect the commitment and dedication of Irish lifeboat crew for generations.

Dunmore East RNLI was established in 1884. Since then, the crews have received 18 awards for gallantry.

Among the guests on the platform party were Eddy Stewart-Liberty, Lifeboat Management Group Chair, who welcomed guests and opened and closed proceedings, RNLI Trustee John Killeen who accepted the lifeboat on behalf of the RNLI and handed it into the care of Dunmore East Lifeboat Station, Karen Harris, Dunmore East RNLI Deputy Launching Authority, Robin Malcolm representing David Malcolm and Brendan Dunne who named the lifeboat and David Carroll, author of Dauntless Courage, who delivered a vote of thanks.