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Lord Mayor opens RNLI 200 exhibition in Belfast City Centre

Lifeboats News Release

As part of the RNLI’s 200th anniversary, the charity has created an immersive and exciting exhibition that looks at the Institution’s history, while also encouraging a new generation of lifesavers to get involved.

Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Micky Murray officially opened the exhibition today (Tuesday 6 August) at the city’s 2 Royal Avenue venue, where it will remain until 15th of September.

The RNLI operates 10 lifeboat stations in Northern Ireland and has lifeguards on 11 beaches. Since records began, the charity’s volunteer lifeboat crews in Northern Ireland have launched 9,472 times, bringing over 8,000 people to safety.

The backdrop to the exhibition is the sound of the lifeboat pager alerting the crew to a callout. Using sustainable materials, historical images and virtual reality technology, visitors are invited to step into the yellow wellies of a RNLI volunteer and learn what it takes to launch a lifeboat in all weathers. They can listen to interviews from the RNLI’s 200 voices podcast, sit on a lifeboat seat and wear a special VR headset that puts them in the centre of the action on the high seas. The exhibition also includes stunning images and fascinating accounts of some of the most famous callouts carried out by lifeboat crews, including the Princess Victoria ferry disaster in 1953.

Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Micky Murray said: “For 200 years, the RNLI has been a beacon of hope and safety for those in peril at sea. From its humble beginnings in 1824, this remarkable institution has grown to become a symbol of courage and compassion. This new exhibition is a testament to two centuries of unwavering dedication, bravery, and service. It not only commemorates the heroic efforts of our RNLI volunteers, but also celebrates the spirit of community that defines Belfast and Northern Ireland.”

RNLI Trustee and a Coxswain at Red Bay RNLI, Paddy McLaughlin added: “As a charity with a 200-year history, we have a rich archive of images and stories from which to curate an exhibition, but we also wanted to look to the future and explore innovations in technology that have influenced lifesaving. We are delighted to have this exhibition right in the centre of Belfast and in 2 Royal Avenue, which is such a stunning building. I’d urge people to visit it and I hope some may even be inspired to get involved and start saving lives with us.”

Ends

RNLI Trustee and Cox Paddy McLaughlin, Belfast Night Czar Michael Stewart, Donaghadee Volunteer Nicky Butler, Lord Mayor Micky Murray, Lifeguard Adam Cummings and Regional Ops Lead Rogan Wheeldon

RNLI/PressEye

RNLI Trustee and Cox Paddy McLaughlin, Belfast Night Czar Michael Stewart, Donaghadee Volunteer Nicky Butler, Lord Mayor Micky Murray, Lifeguard Adam Cummings and Regional Ops Lead Rogan Wheeldon
Donaghadee lifeboat volunteer Nicky Butler and Lifeguard Adam Cummings with Belfast Lord Mayor, Cllr. Micky Murray

RNLI/PressEye

Donaghadee lifeboat volunteer Nicky Butler and Lifeguard Adam Cummings with Belfast Lord Mayor, Cllr. Micky Murray
Marketing and Louise Canty-Dinan with Donaghadee Volunteer Nicky Butler and Lord Mayor of Belfast Micky Murray

RNLI/PressEye

Marketing and Louise Canty-Dinan with Donaghadee Volunteer Nicky Butler and Lord Mayor of Belfast Micky Murray
Belfast Lord Mayor Micky Murray tried out the VR headset at the RNLI's 200th exhibition in 2 Royal Avenue

RNLI/PressEye

Belfast Lord Mayor Micky Murray tried out the VR headset at the RNLI's 200th exhibition in 2 Royal Avenue

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.