RNLI’s Mayday for new lifejackets

The Ennis Branch of the RNLI is launching a Mayday appeal to raise funds for vital lifesaving equipment for volunteer lifeboat crews. In particular, funds are needed for new lifejackets for volunteers who launch the lifeboats to save lives at sea.
An exciting calendar of events has been organised to raise the funds for the lifeboat crews. The first event, scheduled for Tuesday next, will be an open evening in the Sanctuary, Queen’s Hotel at 8.30pm to announce details of the proposed new lifejackets campaign.
The evening will also highlight events for the coming months, including a stroll on the hills of Aylroe in Kildysart in May as well as the Moonlight to Midnight walk in the Burren in July.  This will be followed in September by the annual Burren Ramble.
Invited guests from Kilrush RNLI Lifeboat Station, Ennis Branch members and crew from Doolin Sea and Rescue will turn be in attendance to share their life experiences.
The RNLI has recently launched an appeal nationally to raise funds that will deliver new lifejackets to every lifeboat station in Ireland. The lifejackets have been commissioned by the RNLI for search and rescue work and have been given the seal of approval from lifeboat volunteers. The new designs are more ergonomic and fitted to let the individual swim unhindered to aid casualties.  They are lighter and more buoyant and will support the weight of a casualty being brought to safety by a crewmember in the water. 
“The people of Clare have always been very good to the lifeboats. The cost of these new lifejackets average at around €400 each. We would invite any industries or individuals in Clare that would like to get involved and support the RNLI to consider sponsoring  this piece of equipment,” Jennifer Ryan, Ennis fundraising branch of the RNLI said.
“Last year, the lifeboats launched 980 times, bringing 905 people to safety. There have been numerous tragedies around the coast where the lifeboat has been integral in saving lives.  This piece of equipment is one of the most important pieces of equipment in the RNLI.”