Larne RNLI Open Day celebrated 25 years of saving lives at sea.

Since opening in 1994 Larne Lifeboat volunteers have launched 514 times, saving 34 lives and rescuing 454 people. An average of 21 shouts per year. Larne RNLI enjoyed celebrating this 25th Anniversary milestone with its supporters who have made their work possible.

It was a fun-filled family day with lots of visitors from near and far enjoying the opportunity to see the inshore lifeboat up close and meet the local crew. Visitors also enjoyed a video of recent rescue launches and training to get a real feel for what the Larne volunteer crew do on a weekly basis.

RNLI Lifeguards also attended with their rescue boards and sea safety messages, teaching young and old how to enjoy a trip to the beach safely this summer.

Two Northern Ireland Ambulance Service paramedics brought along an ambulance allowing people to step inside, see the equipment they carry and try out being a patient.

Pets as Therapy UK kindly attended with their dogs allowing peoples of all ages to hear about their work and meet the animals.

The sun shone and everyone enjoyed the BBQ and tasty treats kindly donated by local businesses Asda, Woodland Woodies, Creed, McDowells, Bake, Ann’s Pantry and Upper Crust. Thanks to Got U Covered Gazebos for providing some shade for the kids games and face painting while DJ Stephen Snoddy provided music for all to enjoy throughout the day.

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim Cllr. Maureen Morrow attended the event, enjoying the opportunity to meet the local Lifeboat crew and the Lifeguards to find out more about their volunteering and even try out some knot tying!

Larne Port Ltd provided free parking for visitors and thanks also to Mid and East Antrim Borough Council and East Antrim Boat Club for their generous support of the event.

An amazing £772.48 was kindly donated by visitors on the day. This money will go towards the work of Larne RNLI allowing the charity to continue to save lives at sea in the local area.

Phil Ford-Hutchinson, Larne RNLI Deputy Launching Authority said, 'We would like to thank everyone who attended, very generously donated and helped make it a very special day. We would also like to thank all the local businesses who supported us and helped make our 25th Anniversary Open Day such a success.'

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,000 lives.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, X, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.