Lough Ree RNLI to feature in new series of popular TV documentary

Now in its fourth season, the documentary series, which showcases the lifesaving work of the RNLI, will be aired on BBC Two on Tuesdays at 8pm, as well as being available on the BBC iPlayer following broadcast. The new 10-part series features real rescues carried out by the charity’s volunteer lifeboat crews and lifeguards around Ireland and the UK – including Lough Ree RNLI.

Each programme gives a unique insight into the lives and work of the charity’s lifesavers who are needed more than ever before, rescuing thousands of people and saving hundreds of lives around our coastline and on inland waterways every year. The new series features more dramatic real-life rescue footage, accompanied by emotive testimonials from the volunteer crews, lifeguards and the people they rescue and their families.

This forthcoming episode, on 15 October 2019, sees Lough Ree RNLI in two call outs, firstly when they come to the aid of 2 fishermen when their boat swamped when they were participating in a fishing competition. Then when they were tasked come to the aid of an elderly man who had taken ill on Inch Bofin, alongside rescue stories from their colleagues at other stations and beaches around our coasts and inland waters.

Tom Bradbury, Helm of the Lough Ree lifeboat crew featured in the forthcoming episode, says: ‘It’s great to see the work we do on TV like this. We’re always grateful for the support we get from the public as we rely on donations to do what we do, so it great that all our supporters now get to see, from the comfort and safety of their own front rooms, exactly how they help us save lives.’

Filming took place over the past year, with lifeboat crews and lifeguards carrying special cameras and welcoming film-makers into their day-to-day life. Rescues from the RNLI’s archives are also revisited, and we get a glimpse into the everyday lives of the thousands of men and women who give up their time to save lives.

Last year alone, RNLI lifeboat crews around Ireland and the UK rescued 9,412 people, saving 211 lives. Lough Ree RNLI was one of the busiest lifeboat stations in Ireland in 2018 with 72 call outs.

Notes to Editors

The series is made for the BBC by Blast! Films.

Ends

RNLI media contacts

For more information please telephone Sarah Bradbury, Lough Ree RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 087 121 0658 or [email protected] or Nuala McAloon, Regional Media Officer on 0876483547 or [email protected] or Niamh Stephenson, Regional Media Manager on 0871254124 or [email protected]

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.