First Christmas on call as Lifeboat Helm for Carrybridge RNLI

As the search and rescue charity launches a Christmas fundraising appeal, the RNLI is highlighting the volunteers who will be on call over Christmas to save lives at sea and on the inland waterways. In Carrybridge RNLI, one of two lifeboat stations that operate on Lough Erne, this Christmas will be the first on call as Lifeboat Helm for volunteer Kyle Boyd.

Last Christmas (24 December 2021–1 January 2022), RNLI lifeboat crews across the UK and Ireland saved the lives of eight people, the highest number recorded in five years. The charity’s volunteer crews aided 88 people during the festive period in 2021, which is an 87% increase from 2020 and the highest number recorded since 2018. The latest figures come as the RNLI seeks support for its Christmas Appeal to save every one at RNLI.org/Xmas

Over Christmas and the new year, volunteers will be ready to answer the call for help, each time hoping to reunite another family, and see those in trouble on the water safely returned. RNLI volunteer Kyle Boyd joined the lifeboat crew about seven years ago when a colleague at work, who was also a lifeboat volunteer, talked about it and Kyle felt it was something he’d like to do. Kyle’s father was in the RNLI some years before, and he had spent time fishing on Lough Erne and knew the water and the area well.

Kyle has been very active in getting his training completed to qualify as a Helm on the lifeboat, which will bring the number of Helms at the station up to four. The Helm is responsible for the lifeboat during launching, on the water and through to recovery of the vessel while endeavouring to safeguard and rescue the lives of those in danger. They also have a responsibility for the safety of their crew. Kyle is also the Lifeboat Training Assessor for the station and has recently completed a casualty care course. He is one of a large group of volunteers who serve the station at Carrybridge and they, along with their colleagues in Enniskillen, provide a vital search and rescue function on Lough Erne.

Speaking on his volunteering with the charity and what it means to him, Kyle said, ‘I’m very lucky that I am in a position to give something back to my community. From fishing with my father on the lake and growing up around here, I love where I’m from. I have an understanding employer who lets me leave work for callouts when I can and have a fiancé and family that support me in what can be an unsociable activity, getting callouts at all hours. Our training is second to none and it keeps me focussed on what I might need to do during rescues. We have two lifeboat stations that cover Lough Erne and a range of local services providing support on the water. However, none of this would be possible without the support of the public, for which was are very grateful.’

The callouts the lifeboat crew go on would not be possible without donations from the RNLI’s generous supporters, helping to fund the essential kit, training and equipment needed by lifeboat crews all year round. The RNLI has launched its Christmas appeal, as the charity asks for help to continue its lifesaving work on the water.

To make a donation to the RNLI’s Christmas Appeal visit: RNLI.org/Xmas

The RNLI encourage those visiting coastal areas and the inland waterways this Christmas to:

• Check the weather forecast, and read local hazard signage to understand local risks.
• If you get into trouble Float to Live – lie on your back and relax, resisting the urge to thrash about.
• In an emergency dial 999 and ask for the Coast Guard.

RNLI media contacts

For more information, please contact Chris Cathcart, Carrybridge RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 07595895908, email [email protected] or Stephen Scott, Carrybridge RNLI Volunteer Deputy Lifeboat Press Officer on 07786228968, email [email protected] or contact Niamh Stephenson, RNLI Regional Media Manager on 087 1254 124 or [email protected] or Nuala McAloon, RNLI Regional Media Officer on 087 648 3547 or email [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, Twitter 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.