Clare volunteers lead appeal to fund RNLI’s lifesaving efforts

RESCUE figures for 2020 show that the volunteer lifeboat crew at the RNLI’s station in Kilrush launched nine times and brought 11 people to safety. Three of those launches were carried out in the hours of darkness.
The figures were released as RNLI launched its Mayday Mile appeal which is calling on the public to cover one mile on any day in the month of May to help raise funds for the voluntary service.
Kilrush RNLI Helm Charlie Glynn said, “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.
“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.”

With lockdown easing we’re expecting another busy summer, so we’re putting out an urgent call this Mayday, asking supporters to go the distance and take part in The Mayday Mile. Find out how you can take part here: https://t.co/wHwQsivBba pic.twitter.com/6zsATEEUYQ

— RNLI (@RNLI) April 27, 2021

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.
The RNLI’s Mayday campaign begins on Saturday, May 1 and runs throughout the month. 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.
To sign up for the Mayday Mile, or to make a donation in support of the RNLI’s lifesavers, visit RNLI.org/supportMayday