THE ROYAL National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) fleet has recorded one of its busiest summers in recent years, in spite of the fickle weather, according to preliminary figures.
Demand for life-saving services by holidaymakers and day trippers is still increasing, the organisation says, with 424 launches by voluntary crews during the three summer months of June, July and August this year. This compares to 379 launches for the same period in 2008, the RNLI notes.
The busiest station on the coastline was Bangor, Co Down, where its lifeboat launched 31 times during the summer. This was closely followed by Dún Laoghaire, Co Dublin, which recorded 25 launches. Both harbours have concentrated sailing and motorboating populations.
Co Donegal’s Arranmore island and the Aran islands launched vessels 21 times each, while Portrush, Co Antrim, had 19 taskings and Howth, Dublin, had 18 calls for aid. RNLI training divisional inspector Owen Medland said the rise in launches indicates “a strong need for continued sea safety messages to all water users”.
RNLI operations director Michael Vlasto said the figures may reflect a rise in people holidaying at home this year, and availing of a greater range of water-based activities. “More people are now using the sea for leisure,” he said. “While the majority enjoy their watersports without getting into trouble, some end up needing the help of the RNLI’s lifeboat volunteers, so it’s really important that this group of sea users supports us.”
The RNLI said it “relies totally on the generosity of the public” to fund its services. It offers free all-year-round safety advice on its website, www.rnli.ie