RNLI sends out 'Mayday' call seeking support ahead of busy summer season

New figures show the RNLI came to the aid of 1,007 people in 2024 — 22 of whom would have died if they had not been rescued, it is believed.

The RNLI defines a life saved as an incident where, had it not been for the intervention of the RNLI, emergency services and/or a third party, a life would have been lost.

The charity’s lifeboats across Irish region stations launched more than 880 times last year.

Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around Ireland and the UK.

The RNLI operates 46 lifeboat stations in the Irish region and is independent of Coast Guard and the Government, depending on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service.

High demand

With demand for its lifesaving services at a high, the charity is putting out its own ‘Mayday’ call, and urging the public to get involved with its national fundraising event, the Mayday Mile.

“Usually it’s our lifeboats crews heading out to respond to Mayday calls, but now we’re the ones asking for help,” Courtmacsherry RNLI Coxswain Ken Cashman said.

“Thousands of people get into danger on and around the water each year and need our help, but everything we do is only possible thanks to the generosity of our supporters.

“It’s clear from these new figures that demand for our services remains high, with our lifesavers dropping everything to run to the lifeboat station when the call comes.

“We’re now heading towards our busiest time of year, so we’re putting out our call for help to raise the funds which will help keep our lifesaving service going today and allow us to be there when we’re needed most.”

Participants are challenged to cover a mile a day for the entire month of May, with every cent raised going towards making sure that the charity’s lifesavers have everything they need to keep people safe throughout the summer and beyond.

To sign up for the Mayday Mile, or to make a donation in support of the RNLI’s lifesavers, visit: https://fundraise.rnli.org/event/mayday-mile/home.