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Wicklow RNLI Lifeboat Station opens its doors and lifeboats to the public.

Lifeboats News Release

On Monday 6 August Wicklow RNLI Lifeboat Station opened its doors and lifeboats to the public for the first time in 4 years since the beginning of Covid 19. Considering the very mixed weather it turned into a hugely successful day.

RNLI/Connie OGara

Both Shannon class lifeboats on display for the public.

The volunteers had worked hard in the months running up to the day to ensure the facilities were ready to welcome the public. The fundraising team provided endless supplies of tea, coffee and sweet treats. The volunteer RNLI lifeboat crew provided tours of the lifeboats and answered any questions asked by children and adults alike.

Both Shannon class lifeboats, the RNLB Ruth and David Arthur and RNLB Joanna & Henry Williams along with the D class Denis Audrey were available for the public to explore. The volunteer crew were happy to discuss the equipment onboard and inform the public of the roles they have within the station.

There was also a demonstration of the capabilities of the lifeboats provided during a simulated rescue in the harbour. The public were shown slow speed transfers between the lifeboats, man overboard drill and the manoeuvrability of the lifeboats.

The station mascot Stormy Stan also made an appearance meeting, greeting, and posing for photos with all the children that were down for a look. The crew also took the opportunity to take a crew photo.

Also, on the day the Gardaí, the Garda Sub Aqua Unit, Civil Defence and the Coast Guard were there demonstrating their equipment and again answering questions from the public.

Speaking after the event volunteer lifeboat press officer Connie O’Gara said

‘We’d like to thank the public for visiting us for the open day. Considering the torrential rain at times, it was great to see so many people come down and have a look around. It takes a lot of time to organise, but it is a nice way for the crew to say thanks for all the support and donations we receive throughout the year that enable the volunteer crew to Save Lives At Sea, 24/7 365 days a year.’

RNLI/Connie OGara

Wicklow RNLI Lifeboat crew photo

RNLI/Connie OGara

The crowd enjoying the various demonstrations

RNLI/Connie OGara

Demonstration of the capabilities of the Lifeboats

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.