Water-based lesiure activities prompted a dramatic increase in lifeboat launches in Northern Ireland, according to the latest data.
There was a 38% increase in RNLI call-outs with Bangor, Co Down, the busiest station.Crews launched 272 times and rescued 261 people.
RNLI deputy divisional inspector Gareth Morrison said: “It has been another busy year for Northern Ireland’s lifeboats.
“It has become clear that more people are using the sea and inland waters for recreation and demand for the lifeboats continues to be high.”
The RNLI is releasing the lifeboat statistics as it prepares for SOS day this Friday, the charity’s biggest annual fundraising day.
Events are being organised around the province to raise funds to ensure that the charity can continue to provide the training and equipment for its volunteer lifeboat crews as they save lives at sea and on inland waters.
The busiest lifeboat station in Northern Ireland was Bangor with 55 launches and 69 people rescued. This was followed by the RNLI’s inland stations on Lough Erne in Enniskillen which launched 51 times and rescued 67 people. Portrush followed with 40 call-outs bringing 11 people to safety.
PA