RNLI came to the aid of over 1,000 people last year
Michael Bolton
New figures show the RNLI came to the aid of 1007 people in 2024, 22 of whom would have died if they had not been rescued.
The charity's lifeboats across the 46 Irish region stations launched over 881 times last year.
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.
Participants are challenged to cover a mile a day for the month of May, with every cent raised helping to make sure that the charity’s lifesavers have everything they need to keep people safe this summer and beyond.
Ken Cashman, Courtmacsherry RNLI Coxswain said: "Usually it’s our lifeboats crews heading out to respond to Mayday calls, but now we’re the ones asking for help. 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."
