Rescue figures revealed that 11 people were brought to safety by the Kilrush RNLI last year.

Kilrush RNLI’s volunteer lifeboat crew launched nine times in 2020 according to rescue figures. Eleven people were brought to safety by the volunteers with three of the launches occurring in the hours of darkness.

Nationally, over half (53%) of the charity’s 945 lifeboat launches took place in the months of June, July and August. Volunteer lifeboat crews are getting ready for what they expect will be a busy summer with people continuing to holiday at home. Last year, with the country dealing with restrictions put in place to fight the pandemic, lifeboat crews were still busy, bringing 1,145 people to safety.

On Saturday, the RNLI begin their Mayday Mile fundraiser which will run throughout the month of March. Lifesavers are calling on supporters to join the Mayday Mile and cover the distance for the charity in any way they chose to raise vital funds to help lifeboat crews continue their work.

Charlie Glynn, Kilrush RNLI Helm outlined, “Our callouts last year ranged from a young child blown out to sea on an inflatable to rescuing three people from a sinking vessel in gale force conditions. For every callout there is a person behind it who is worried that something bad may have happed to a loved one and we are there to help find them and bring them home”.

He expressed their appreciation for all personnel that support the work of their voluntary crew. “Thank you to everyone who supports the work of the volunteer lifeboat crews. From the vessel we use to the training and the state-of-the-art kit, it is all funded through donations”.

To sign up for the Mayday Mile, or to make a donation in support of the RNLI’s lifesavers, visit RNLI.org/supportMayday.