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RNLI lifesavers from Lough Derg RNLI prepare to answer the call this Christmas

Lifeboats News Release

As the RNLI comes to the end of its milestone 200th year, the charity is launching its annual Christmas fundraising appeal, with a focus on the volunteer crew members who are preparing to spend Christmas on call.

Lough Derg RNLI volunteer crew - Joe O’Donoghue, Crew; Owen Cavanagh, Helm; Doireann Kennedy, Crew

RNLI/Lough Derg

Lough Derg RNLI volunteer crew - Joe O’Donoghue, Crew; Owen Cavanagh, Helm; Doireann Kennedy, Crew

On average, RNLI lifeboats launch over 100 times during the Christmas period* every year. Whatever weather winter throws at them, RNLI crews are ready to battle the elements to save lives at sea. These rescues, and others all year round, are only made possible by the RNLI’s generous supporters, helping to fund the essential kit, training and equipment needed to keep crews prepared and protected.

Christmas is a time for family and friends, but the RNLI’s volunteer crews are ready to leave their own celebrations this festive season and answer the call for help. Just one of the thousands of crews preparing for a Christmas on call is Lough Derg RNLI.

Just after Christmas 2019 (28 December) Lough Derg RNLI volunteer crew were called to assist two kayakers in the water near Garrykennedy. With guidance from the Coast Guard the lifeboat crew reached the scene quickly and immediately took both casualties out of the water and into the lifeboat and began casualty care. The casualties were taken to Garrykennedy harbour where they were met by ambulance and paramedics to whom the RNLI volunteers handed over the care of the casualties.

Both men later made a full recovery.

Owen Cavanagh, volunteer helm at Lough Derg said: ‘There’s no feeling quite like bringing someone home safe to their families – especially at Christmas. Even at this time of year, people still get in trouble in the water, and we’re all prepared to leave our own celebrations to help them.

‘But as volunteer lifeboat crew we couldn’t launch without kind donations from the public which fund the kit, training and equipment we need to save others and get home safely to our own families.’

To make a donation to the RNLI’s Christmas Appeal, and enable the charity to continue its lifesaving work, visit: RNLI.org/WinterAppeal

ENDS

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.

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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.