The volunteer lifeboat crew of Howth RNLI launched their inshore lifeboat just after 6pm yesterday, 1st August as the station's volunteers had gathered to mark a special moment to celebrate 200 years of the RNLI.
On Thursday 1 August, RNLI volunteers from Howth participated in a special photo moment – One Moment for One Crew – to create a photographic record of those involved with the lifesaving charity in this, its 200th anniversary year.
The charity, which was founded in 1824, asked its volunteers and staff from around Ireland and the UK to take a photo of themselves, their crew or their team, at as close to 18:24 on 1.8.24 as possible.
As the volunteers were assembling at Howth Lifeboat Station shortly after 6pm, the pagers sounded. A request came in from Lifeguards on Portmarnock beach who had observed an inflatable kayak with two people on board which was being blown offshore and unable to make their way back to safety.
As the inshore lifeboat was already in the water, preparing for the station photograph, the crew were able to launch immediately. Visibility was good with a moderate southerly offshore breeze. The lifeboat reached the inflatable kayak, within ten minutes, which had blown approximately 500 meters offshore. A passing motorboat had heard the VHF radio communications between the lifeboat and Dublin Coast Guard and had stood by the kayak awaiting the arrival of the lifeboat.
Once on scene, the crew took the two persons on board the lifeboat and assessed their condition. Both cold and tired, were otherwise in good health. The kayak was taken on board and the lifeboat made its way back to Portmarnock beach where the crew handed the two persons into the care of the beach lifeguards.
Speaking following the incident, Ronan Murphy, helm of the Howth RNLI inshore lifeboat said:
'This was one of our quickest launch times given that the lifeboat was already in the water and crew in their kit to take part in the 'One Moment for One Crew' photograph. Thankfully this gave us precious minutes to reach the two persons in difficulty who had already been blown almost 500 metres offshore by the time we reached them.
'Although the conditions for heading out on the water were good yesterday, things can change very quickly and with inflatables like these, even the slightest wind can take them out to sea. You should carefully consider the suitability of inflatables in Irish waters. Make sure to always check the weather forecast and tides before you head out to sea.
'It’s also really important that anyone going out on the water wears a life jacket that is suitable for the activity they are doing and that it is in good working order and fits well. You should also carry a means of calling for help. A mobile phone in a waterproof pouch can work well for kayakers who are staying close to the shore.
'Although we missed the opportunity to take part in the 'One Moment One Crew' photograph at Howth RNLI, what unfolded yesterday was a really great example of the value of our lifesaving work. Our volunteer crew will drop what they're doing once the pager goes off to get out there and save lives at sea. That has been our charity's mission for 200 years, and we hope to be in a position to continue that service for 200 more here at Howth.'
Speaking about the RNLI's 200th anniversary programme, Rose Michael, Chairperson of Howth RNLI Fundraising Branch said:
'The RNLI has been saving lives at sea for 200 years thanks to its incredible people - the courageous lifeboat crews who put their own lives at risk to save others; the dedicated fundraisers who raise the income to power those rescues; the committed volunteers who give their own time in a range of other roles such as giving out water safety advice and the staff who provide vital support to our volunteers.'
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
The RNLI celebrated its 200th anniversary on 4 March this, and this photographic moment is one of a range of events and programmes which the charity has organised to mark its bicentenary.
For further information about the RNLI’s 200th anniversary, visit RNLI.org/200.
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.
