Lough Ree RNLI lifeboat station welcomes first visitors to new facility
During a busy first month at the new lifeboat station at Coosan Point volunteer crew guided visitors from near and far through the new state of the art facility in the first public tours of the base
First through the doors ahead of the May Bank Holiday were 18 guests from Moate Mens Shed accompanied by some partners who were greeted by a volunteer crew led by Station Visits Officer Paul Kelly. The group had a first hand experience of the work of the charity when the volunteer crew were called out to assist a stricken cruiser on the lake during the course of the visit.
Early this month a group of 50 secondary school students from north east France arrived to experience the emergency procedures at first hand. The group of 15-18 year olds are part of a second level French programme at second which prepares them for a career in the emergency services. The visit to Lough Ree RNLI was part of an educational tour to Ireland.
In recent days a younger generation got their first experience of the charity’s work. Children from Clonbrusk Childcare Centre and first classes from neighbours at Coosan National School enjoyed exploring the lifeboat, trying out some of the gear and even timing themselves in ‘rapid response’!
Station visits officer Paul Kelly said: ‘the charity looks forward to welcoming visitors of all generations to the Lifeboat Station. It is hoped to facilitate a number of visits each month with a waiting list already growing!’
Meanwhile, it has been announced that the official opening of the Lough Ree RNLI Lifeboat Station and the official naming of the charity’s lifeboat ‘Tara Scougall’, which had to be postponed due to the pandemic, will take place on Saturday 11 June at 2pm. Everyone is welcome to attend.
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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 142,700 lives.
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